Pittsburgh, PA - After a commanding performance at the Buffalo State Classic, the Chatham men's hockey team returned home to play its home opener. They continued their strong play, winning 5-1 over Fredonia. 

The Cougars came out of the gates with something to prove. Senior Nick Cyprian opened the scoring three and a half minutes into the game after a strong individual effort, dancing through a couple of Fredonia defenders. Ten minutes later, Bekk McClaine doubled the Chatham lead, scoring his first of the season, assisted by Ian Norkevicus. The Cougars headed into the first intermission with a commanding 3-0 lead, after True Crowe scored seventeen minutes into the frame. Camden Davis and Charlie Smith drew assists on Crowe's goal. 

In the second period, the Cougars continued their dominating play early on. Junior Jake LaRusso extended his point streak, scoring with a pretty deke two minutes into the period from a crisp Nick Cyprian pass. The Blue Devils adjusted and brought the physical play, keeping the score at 4-0, as both teams headed into the locker rooms.

In the third period, both teams traded chances. The Cougars tacked on another goal, this time by freshman Kowin Belsterling, his first of his career. The Blue Devils got on the board in the last minute of the game, for a final score of 5-1. 

Freshman goaltender Nikolas Trakakis stood on his head in tonight's contest. Hailing from 'La Belle Province' (Saint-Laurent, QC), Trakakis earned his first collegiate victory, stopping 32/33 shots, good for a .970 save percentage. Crowe, McCaline, Cyprian, and Blesterling were among the four Cougars to tally multi-point games. Eight separate Cougars registered blocks, with Crowe leading the category with 3 on the night. 

Chatham will look to extend its win streak as it hits the road tomorrow, November 8, to battle Fredonia once again. Puck drop is slated for 7 pm at the Steele Hall Ice Arena in Fredonia, NY.