GENESEO, N.Y. – Tim Kielich scored his first collegiate goal and Ryan Kangas scored the equalizer but two late goals proved too much for the College at Brockport ice hockey team as they fell to SUNY Geneseo 4-2 Friday night in a rematch of last season’s SUNYAC quarter final.
Midway through the first period Geneseo (3-0-2 overall, 1-0-2 SUNYAC) took the lead but Brockport (2-3-0, 2-3-0) answered back less than 30 seconds later. Kielich beat the goaltender glove side to net his first goal as a Golden Eagle. Kangas and Brian Hurlimann both picked up an assist on the play. The Knights scored with less than 20 seconds remaining in the first period to take a 2-1 lead to the first intermission.
Kangas netted the lone goal of the second period as he stole the puck in Geneseo territory and darted up the ice. A shot from the left face off circle stunned the Knight goalie and tied the game at two.
Nearly twenty minutes of scoreless play left the game tied with just over ten minutes remaining in regulation. Penalties proved costly for the Golden Eagles as the Knights found themselves on a two-man advantage in the third period. Brockport killed off the penalty but let up a goal just seconds after returning to full strength.
Brockport scored what looked to be the game tying goal with seven minutes remaining in the game. Aidan Verbeke rushed towards the goal and appeared to tuck the puck into the bottom corner of the net but the call stood at no goal.
The Knights tacked on another goal with three minutes left in the game to hand Brockport its third loss of the season.
“It was a hard fought game by both teams but in the end having to kill four penalties in the third period cost us a chance to win,” remarked Head Coach Brian Dickinson. “We are getting better each day and are hoping to have a great week of practice heading into next weekend’s home game.”
The Green and Gold won 39 face offs to Geneseo’s 36. Chase Nieuwendyk won 19 face offs while Kielich won nine. Brockport was outshot 49-25. Nieuwendyk led Brockport with four shots while Verbeke, Kielich and Kangas each tabbed three.
Jared Lockhurst stopped 45 Geneseo shots including 17 in the second period. Lockhurst suffered his third loss of the season in net.
Brockport will play two SUNYAC games next weekend as they return home Friday to host Fredonia at 7 p.m. Saturday night they will head to Buffalo State with face off slated for 7 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the “Brockport Golden Eagles” Facebook page.
