COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Led by a two-goal performance by Michael Wilson, the Army West Point hockey team powered past No. 19 Air Force, 3-2, Friday night at the Cadet Ice Arena. The Black Knights netted two power play goals against the Falcons to clinch the victory.
ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES
Tonight’s win is the Black Knights’ first win over an opponent ranked No. 19 since Jan. 4, 2013 when Army defeated Robert Morris 5-0.
This is Army’s first win at Air Force since Jan. 15, 2011. That was also the last time the Black Knights netted two power play goals vs. the Falcons.
Wilson was Army’s lead scorer on the night netting two including the game-winner, his third game-winner of the year. The final goal was on the power play for his second of the season.
Dalton MacAfee netted Army’s other goal on the night also on the power play. After assisting on five of Army’s goals this season, he was able to tally a goal. It was just his second power play of his career.
Alex Wilkinson notched two assists in the game to tie a career-high performance. Dominic Franco and Tyler Pham also contributed assists for the Black Knights.
Cole Bruns made 28 saves on 30 shots faced.
The Black Knights are undefeated (4-0) when being outshot by opponents.
HOW IT HAPPENED
PERIOD ONE (1-0 ARMY)
The Black Knights got on the board early with a top shelf shot by Wilson. On Army’s defensive change, the puck was dropped into the zone to be picked up by Wilson.
He faded left and banked the shot top right through Billy Christopoulos’ glove side armpit nine minutes into the game.
Ian Mansfield had a redirect float just wide left of the goal with six minutes later.
Wilson had another close chance, but his backhand was on the pipe.
PERIOD TWO (1-0 ARMY)
The Black Knights and Falcons played an aggressive second frame.
Army fought off the first penalty of the game five minutes in and then again a while later.
The two squads saw multiple players sit in the penalty box with 2:01 remaining after a slight brawl in front of the net to close-out the frame with the Black Knights ahead 1-0.
PERIOD THREE (3-2 ARMY)
The Falcons jumped out hot in the third frame scoring 3:35 in. Air Force had quick tic-tac-toe passing in front and found Bruns’ open side.
The Black Knights went on the power play about two minutes later and took full advantage.
MacAfee had a one-timer snipe from the blue line finding a hole through congestion in front and dinging the pipe as it crossed the goal line with 14:15 remaining.
The Falcons struck again with 8:31 on the clock going stick side high on Bruns from the right circle.
Army were successful once more on the power play 7:14 minutes later when Wilson took advantage in front after an initial deflection by Christopoulos.
Bruns made the final stop of the night with seven seconds left to secure the game for Army.
TURNING POINT
The Black Knights were able to fight off three power play opportunities by the Falcons who lead the league in efficiency.
UP NEXT
Army will be back at the Cadet Ice Arena Saturday night for a 7:35 p.m. ET game against the Falcons.
