Pittsburgh, PA - On Friday, Chatham Men's Hockey (8-1-0, 4-1-0) took on visiting Albertus Magnus (5-4-0, 1-4-0) in a pivotal UCHC matchup. The Cougars won 5-4 in thrilling fashion.
In the first period, the Cougars came out flying. Just 2 ½ minutes into the game, the Cougars went up 1-0, thanks to first-year Caden Pendo's 3rd goal of the season, assisted by Nick Cyprian and Tyler Samodral. The Falcons responded, tying the game 1-1, following a goal at even strength. Later in the period, the Cougars regained the lead after Nick Babbie put one past the goalie, his second goal of the season and first since the season opener. The goal was assisted by Camden Davis.
Early in the second frame, the Cougars extended the lead to 3-1. First year, Charlie Smith scored unassisted at 3:32, his second goal of the season. Battling back again, the Falcons scored to bring themselves within one. The Cougars put themselves back up by 2 following Bekk McClaine's short-handed goal. Albertus Magnus netted another one late in the frame, and Chatham went into the final intermission up 4-3.
In the third period, the Cougars tried to preserve the one-goal lead. Late in the game, the Cougars had a golden opportunity to add a needed insurance goal when they went to their deadly power play. The Cougars didn't miss with the man advantage, extending their lead to 5-3 after Tyler Samodral sent one into the back of the net from a pretty setup by Micahel Roby and Jake LaRusso. The Falcons added one in the last seconds of the game to make things interesting, but the Cougars held on to clinch the 5-4 victory.
Goaltender Cameron Kuntar was steady in the net, making 38 saves en route to his 6th victory of the season. The Cougars' offense was spread out with 9 different players getting on the score sheet, recording at least one point. Samodral led the way offensively with two points and the game-winning goal. Dylan Young led the way defensively, finishing the game with a team-leading 3 blocks.
Game two of this conference series will take place tomorrow, December 6th, at the Alpha Ice Complex. The Cougars will take the ice against the Falcons at 1 pm.
