WEST POINT, N.Y. – After taking a 2-0 lead in the first period, the Army West Point hockey team shutout Canisius with a final score of 3-0 on Friday night. This is the third Atlantic Hockey shutout of the year for the Black Knights who improved to 5-3-1 overall and 5-2-0 in the AHA. It was also Canisius’ first league loss of the season.
ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES
The fourth line of Tipper Higgins, Michael Wilson and Dominic Franco was a powerhouse for the Cadets tonight and together totaled seven points against the Golden Griffins (5-5-1, 3-1-1).
Franco picked up three points himself after having a hand in every goal. The freshman assisted on the first two before netting the first of his career in the third period.
Higgins notched the opening goal for Army which turned out to be the game winner.
Nick DeCenzo tallied his first goal of the season tonight, and first after becoming a defender, to put Army ahead 2-0.
Parker Gahagen picked up his third shutout of the season and fifth win as he stopped 14 shots as the Cadets controlled puck possession throughout the game.
The Black Knights took 33 shots on the night and both teams were unsuccessful on power play opportunities.
Army’s penalty killing unit is currently at a .944 efficiency and hasn’t allowed a power play goal in 124:23 minutes of play that dates back to Oct. 29.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Army attacked quickly and went ahead 2-0 five minutes into the game.
Higgins netted the first goal of the year and second of his career off a deflection from Dalton MacAfee and Franco just 2:28 into the game.
The Black Knights’ second goal was a snipe by DeCenzo from the middle of Army’s offensive end with 15:17 on the clock. He connected with Wilson and Franco to net his first of the season and first after switching to defense.
After assisting on the first two goals, Franco notched the first goal of his career on a breakaway opportunity with linemates Higgins and Wilson on the assist with 6:46 minutes left in the contest.
KEY MOMENT
Veterans in attendance for tonight’s game were given a standing ovation by fans and both teams who showed appreciation by hitting their sticks on the ice.
UP NEXT
Army and Canisius will be back at Tate Rink for the second game of the series tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 12. The game features a 7:05 p.m. puck drop and a post-game Skate with the Black Knights.
