GENESEO, N.Y. — A power-play goal early in the first period looked like a sign of good things to come for the Elmira College men’s ice hockey team, but seven unanswered goals by the No. 4/4-ranked Knights of SUNY Geneseo thwarted EC’s hopes of collecting its first nationally-ranked win, as the Soaring Eagles fell on the road, 7-1, on Tuesday night.
Elmira’s game-opening goal was setup by a tripping penalty on Geneseo’s David Szmyd at 3:48. The Soaring Eagle power-play, which has connected for at least one power-play goal in nine of 10 games this year, cashed in on the opportunity with just 19 seconds left with the extra skater, as Matthew Cuce ’20 deposited his third goal in the last two games. Cuce’s power-play goal was assisted by classmates Nick Ford ’20 and Connor Powell ’20.
The early lead last just over six minutes until Geneseo exploded for three goals in 5:48 span. Tyson Empey knotted the contest at 1-1 with a power-play goal at 11:32, before Carson Kelley and Conlan Keenan deposited even-strength goals 1:06 apart at 16:14 and 17:20.
A relentless Geneseo squad padded its lead in the second stanza with a trio of goals, two of which were registered on the power play, to take a commanding 6-1 lead. Duggie Lagrone, Andrew Romano and Szmyd tallied for the Knights during the period.
The fourth goal of the second period, scored by Lagrone, sparked a change in net for the Soaring Eagles as Gennaro Anzevino ’21 was subbed out for Jake Sabourin ’21 just 6:07 into the period. Anzevino exited with 15 saves.
Elmira was limited to six third-period shot attempts, while the Knights launched 13 and scored another goal, this one coming from Brendan Miller, to close out the night with a 7-1 victory on their home ice.
News and Notes
Tonight’s contest marked the beginning of a six-game road trip for the Elmira men.
Elmira went 1-for-6 on the power play.
Geneseo finished 3-for-6 on the power play.
Geneseo outshot Elmira, 42-18.
Elmira has scored a power-play goal in nine of 10 games this year.
Cuce registered his team-leading 16th point of the season.
Cuce scored his third goal in the last two games.
Cuce has produced power-play goals in back-to-back games.
Ford was credited with his team-leading 10th assist of the 2018-19 campaign.
Anzevino finished with 15 saves and Sabourin logged 20.
Up Next
The Purple and Gold continue their six-game road trip on Friday, November 30, when they resume United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) action with a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Lebanon Valley College.
