Utica, N.Y. - On Friday the Cougars (0-4-1) traveled to face the 3rd ranked nationally Utica Pioneers (6-1). The Cougars fell by a final score of 6-3.

In the first period it would be the pioneers opening an early 2-0 lead with goals three and five minutes into the game. That would be the majority of the action in the first period as the Pioneers led 2-0 at the break. Chatham was outpaced in shots on goal 24-7 in the first period.

In the second period the Cougars offense continued to struggle only managing two shots on goal in the period. Geno Pichora, the reigning UCHC Rookie of the Week made 16 saves in the second period to keep the score 2-0 heading into the third period.

In the third period both offenses found their stride and scored a combined seven goals in the third period. The Pioneers scored the first three goals of the period, expanding their lead to 5-0 with nine-and-a-half minutes to play in the game. The Cougars then answered back with a pair of goals. Jacob Arizo scored the first goal of the game assisted by Evan Mitchell and Zack Conner. Then it was Nick Cyprian scoring off the Tyler Samodral assist. The Pioneers then scored their sixth goal of the game with three-and-a-half minutes to play. Kyle Contessa scored his first goal of the season and the final goal of the game with two minutes to play in the game. He was assisted by Nick Babbie and Nick Cyprian.

Pichora made 58 saves with a 90.6% save rate. Leading the way offensively for the Cougars was Nick Cyprian with a goal and an assist. Defensively True Crowe led the team with four blocks. The Cougars will be back in action for game two of the weekend set on Saturday in Utica, N.Y. with a scheduled puck drop of 5 PM.