BUFFALO, N.Y. — Behind a pair of outstanding performances by each team’s goalie, the Fredonia and Buffalo State hockey teams skated to a 1-all tie on opening night for both teams.
Fredonia’s Jeff Flagler (Owen Sound, Ont. / West Hill) finished the night with 31 saves, while Buff State’s Mike DeLaVergne had 27 stops.
With just over six minutes left in regulation, Flagler made a pair of spectacular saves to preserve the tie. The Bengals were then whistled for three penalties in the final 6:10 to give the Devils what amount to significant five-on-three advantages. The bulk of the action took place in the Buff State end, but Fredonia could not muster a clean shot on goal.
The Bengals outshot Fredonia, 3-2, in the scoreless overtime.?
The Devils opened the scoring with six seconds left in the first period with a goal by senior Mitch Kaufman (Red Deer, Alberta / Hunting Hills). He was assisted by Mackenzie McAvoy (Port Colborne, Ont. / Lakeshore Catholic) and Luke Rivera (Pacific Palisades, Calif. / Pomfret School ). It was Kaufman’s fifth career goal.
The Bengals answered midway through the second when Jonathan Hall converted on assists from Mac Wood and Todd Graham 12:29 into the period.
Neither team was able to convert on power plays, with Fredonia going 0 for eight, and the Bengals unable to convert in five opportunities.
The Bengals committed nine fouls compared to six by Fredonia.
Fredonia maintains a 5-3 lead in the ‘Battle by the Lake’? as both teams earn one point with the tie. The next opportunity for the schools to add points will be at the men’s and women’s Cross Country Championships Saturday at Plattsburgh.
Fredonia has its home opener tomorrow evening (Saturday) with a 7 p.m. puck drop vs. Southern New Hampshire.
