COLMAR, Pa. – The Arcadia University men's hockey team earned a crucial conference victory Saturday afternoon, defeating King's College 4-0 on Senior Day at Hatfield Ice Arena. The Knights improve to 9-12-3 overall and 6-11-3 in conference play.
After two scoreless periods, Arcadia broke the game open with four goals in the third period. Bryce Battaglia, Drew Iannucci, Ryan Cunningham, and Grant Burback each found the back of the net in the win.
The Knights held a 46-32 advantage in shots and controlled the faceoff circle, winning 35 of 57 draws. Cody Mastay led all players with 12 faceoff wins, while Brendan Dicker added 11. Ryan Burgess was outstanding in goal, stopping all 32 shots he faced to record his first shutout of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Knights earned their first power play late in the opening period. Michael Benkovitz, Connor Williams, and Drew Iannucci each generated quality scoring chances, but the game remained scoreless heading into the second period.
• Arcadia increased the offensive pressure in the second period with shots from Wesley Crofoot, Aidan Anderson, Nate McFarlane, Michael Benkovitz, Brendan Dicker, Conor Gethings, Chris Benkovitz, Grant Burback, and Iannucci. Despite sustained pressure, the Monarchs kept the Knights off the scoreboard.
• The Knights received a second power-play opportunity late in the second period, but the contest remained tied 0-0 entering the third.
• Just three minutes into the third period, Bryce Battaglia skated through traffic and fired a shot past the goaltender to give Arcadia a 1-0 lead. Iannucci and Connor Williams were credited with assists on Battaglia's ninth goal of the season.
• Minutes later, Battaglia set up Iannucci, who skated down the right side and finished in front of the net for his second goal of the season, doubling the lead to 2-0.
• With King's pressing and its goalie pulled for the extra attacker, Ryan Cunningham scored from his own defensive end for his third goal of the season. Grant Burback and Jared Shuter recorded assists on the play.
• Two minutes later, Burback netted his first collegiate goal to seal the 4-0 victory. Battaglia and CJ Bachman were credited with assists.
KNIGHT LEADERS
Goals: Battaglia (1), Iannucci (1), Cunningham (1), Burback (1)
Assists: Battaglia (2), Burback (1), Iannucci (1), Williams (1), Shuter (1), Bachman (1)
Points: Battaglia (3), Burback (2), Iannucci (2)
Blocked Shots: Cunningham (3), Michael Benkovitz (3), Matthew Rabideau (3)
Saves: Burgess (32)
UP NEXT
The Knights conclude the regular season next Friday night when Stevenson visits Hatfield Ice Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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