PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Feb. 9, 2024 - Freshman Milan Cermak found the back of the net in overtime to push the Cougars past the Valiants (8-14-0, 8-9-0) for the team's third win in four contests. Chatham now stands in seventh place in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) standings with a conference record of 6-11-0. 

The Cougars were the first to light the lamp on a power play. Freshman Nicholas Babbie scored his fifth goal of the season off assists from sophomores Nick Cyprian and Caden Smith. The Valiants would respond late in the opening period, leaving the score 1-1 entering the second. 

The second period had a total of five goals scored, three for Chatham and two for Manhattanville. The Cougars were first to break the tie on a goal by sophomore Beck McClaine. He was assisted by sophomores Smith and Cyprian. Junior Carson Grainer got on the board with his fifth goal of the year off assists from juniors Evan Mitchell and Matthew Doyle. Cyprian broke up the two Valiants' scores with the help of sophomores Niklas Byman and Smith to end the period. Heading into the third, the score favored Chatham 4-3. 

Manhattanville tied the game 36 seconds into the final period, which was enough to force overtime. The power play struggles continued for the Cougars as they failed to convert on two advantage situations in the third. 

In the extra time, Cermak forced his way to the front of the goal before slipping the puck past the goalie to win the game. Cyprian and sophomore True Crowe were credited with the assists. 

Cyprian had his highest scoring output of the season with four points as Smith tied a career-high of three assists. Chatham is still in the hunt for the playoffs, currently two points ahead of the ninth spot. 

The Purple and Grey will continue the chase for a playoff berth on Saturday at 3 p.m.