READING, Pa. – The Arcadia University men's ice hockey team returned to the ice on Sunday to complete its two-game weekend set with Alvernia after a snowstorm postponed the contest from Saturday. The Knights (6-8-2, 3-7-2) suffered a tough 3-2 conference loss, surrendering three unanswered goals in the third period after carrying a two-goal advantage into the final frame.

Arcadia struck first late in the opening period when Russ Tedesco capitalized on the power play with just under two minutes remaining, finishing a feed from Grant Burback and Brendan Dicker. The Knights doubled their lead late in the second period, as Connor Williams fired a shot from the point past the goaltender with 1:23 left, assisted by Chris Benkovitz and Michael Benkovitz.

Alvernia responded with a strong third period, scoring three times to erase the deficit and secure the victory.

Hayden Williamson made the start in goal for Arcadia and took the loss, stopping 22 shots. The Knights controlled the faceoff circle, winning 29 of 54 draws, with Dicker posting a game-high 12 wins. Both teams converted on the power play, as Arcadia went 1-for-2 while Alvernia finished 1-for-3.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Arcadia opened the scoring at 16:38 of the first period after Alvernia was assessed a penalty. Following shots from Connor Williams and Tedesco, Dicker won an offensive-zone faceoff, allowing Tedesco to bury his third goal of the season on the ensuing possession, assisted by Burback and Dicker.
• The Golden Wolves pushed to equalize in the closing minutes of the period, but Williamson and the Arcadia defense, highlighted by key shot blocks from Grayson Gare, preserved the 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
• The Knights maintained pressure early in the second period and were rewarded at 18:37. After Dicker won another faceoff, Williams and Dicker both had attempts turned aside before the puck cycled through the Benkovitz brothers. Williams then snapped a wrist shot from the left point for his fourth goal of the season, extending the lead to 2-0.
• Alvernia cut the deficit in half just 30 seconds into the third period.
• At 4:12 of the third, the Golden Wolves converted on the power play, tying the game at 2-2 following a scramble in front of the net.
• Midway through the period, Alvernia scored again to take its first lead of the contest.
• Arcadia pressed for the equalizer over the final 10 minutes, firing 15 shots on goal and applying pressure with the extra attacker, but the Golden Wolves held on to secure the 3-2 win.

KNIGHT LEADERS

Goals: Tedesco (1), Williams (1)
Assists: Burback (1), Dicker (1), M. Benkovitz (1), C. Benkovitz (1)
Points: Tedesco, Williams, Burback, Dicker, M. Benkovitz, C. Benkovitz (1)
Blocked Shots: Burback (2), M. Benkovitz (2), multiple players (1)
Saves: Williamson (22)

UP NEXT

The Knights continue their road trip next weekend with a two-game conference set at King's College in Wilkes-Barre on Friday and Saturday.

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