COLMAR, Pa. – The Arcadia University men's ice hockey team returned home Friday evening for a Middle Atlantic Conference contest against Alvernia University, falling to the Golden Wolves by a 2–1 margin. The Knights move to 7-11-3 overall and 4-10-3 in conference play.
After nearly 48 minutes of scoreless hockey, Arcadia broke through early in the third period. Nate McFarlane raced down the left boards and sent a centering pass to CJ Bachman, who redirected the puck back to the point for Michael Benkovitz. Benkovitz fired a shot over the goaltender's shoulder to give the Knights a 1–0 lead.
The advantage was short-lived, however, as Alvernia responded just over a minute later to even the score at 1–1. Needing a regulation victory, Arcadia pulled goaltender Ryan Burgess for an extra attacker late in the contest. Following a scrum deep in the Arcadia zone, the puck worked its way to the point, where the Golden Wolves capitalized on the empty net with 21 seconds remaining to secure the 2–1 win.
Alvernia controlled possession early and outshot the Knights 44–28 for the game. The Golden Wolves also held an edge in the faceoff circle, winning 32 of 61 draws, though Brendan Dicker led all players with 11 faceoff wins. Despite the physical nature of the contest, only one penalty was assessed, coming 1:09 into the first period against Arcadia. The Knights successfully killed off the lone power play.
Burgess delivered a standout performance in goal, stopping 42 shots and allowing just one goal at even strength.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Alvernia applied pressure early in the first period, forcing Burgess into action as he made 17 saves to keep the game scoreless.
• Arcadia found offensive opportunities as the period progressed, with chances from Brendan Dicker, Jude Cole, Ryan Cunningham, Daniel Hodowanec, Michael Benkovitz, Chris Benkovitz, and Bryce Battaglia, but the game remained scoreless at the first intermission.
• Burgess continued his strong play in the second period, making 18 saves to preserve the 0–0 tie.
• Both teams traded momentum and scoring chances throughout the second, but neither side broke through heading into the third period.
• Arcadia opened the scoring in the third when Michael Benkovitz netted his second goal of the season off assists from McFarlane and Bachman.
• Alvernia responded quickly with the game-tying goal less than a minute later.
• With regulation time winding down, Arcadia pulled Burgess for an extra attacker, but Alvernia converted on an empty-net opportunity with 21 seconds remaining.
KNIGHT LEADERS
Goals: M. Benkovitz (1)
Assists: McFarlane (1), Bachman (1)
Points: M. Benkovitz (1), McFarlane (1), Bachman (1)
Blocked Shots: Connor Williams (4), M. Benkovitz (3), Ryan Cunningham (2), Zach Garnsey (2)
Saves: Burgess (42)
UP NEXT
The Knights hit the road Saturday night as they travel to Wilkes-Barre to wrap up the season series with Wilkes University. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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