Utica, NY – Chatham Men's Hockey (19-4-1, 10-4-1) took on (#9/#9) Utica (16-7-1, 12-2-1) in their final regular season series on Friday. The Cougars tied the Pioneers 3-3 after a scoreless extra frame. In a shootout, the Cougars fell in the best-of-three, 2-0, salvaging one point from a back-and-forth affair. Earning that one point helped the Cougars clinch 3rd in the UCHC tournament and host a first-round matchup. 

The Pioneers would open the deadlock and jump out to an early lead. At the 12:52 mark of the first frame, the Pioneers opened the scoring, going up 1-0. Twenty seconds later, the Pioneers would score again at even strength to double their lead. The Cougars would answer back and cut the lead to 2-1, 17:49. Senior Nick Cyprian netted his 17th goal of the season, assisted by Tyler Samodral and Caden Pendo. The Cougars headed into the intermission trailing by a slim one-goal margin. 

In the second period, the Cougars would bring the fight to the Pioneers on their home ice. The relentless Cougars' attack resulted in a crucial power play. On said power play, Jake LaRusso buried his 10th goal of the season, being set up by Pendo and Cyprian to even the score 2-2, at 16:27. The teams would trade chances as the period came to a close, setting up an important third period with the game knotted at twos.  

The third period saw the teams go back-and-forth, attempting to get the upper hand. Just over three minutes into the third period, the Pioneers would find the back of the net to go up 3-2. Down but not out, the Cougars kept on fighting. Michael Roby would tie the game again at 17:38 of the third period. His conference-leading 21st goal of the season was assisted by Nicholas Babbie and Kowin Belsterling. The game would remain tied as the teams geared up for the free-flowing 3-on-3 overtime frame. 

In overtime, neither team could find the back of the net. The Cougars stood tall defensively, eventually forcing a shootout. However, the Cougars would not be able to score in the shootout as the first two Pioneers skaters scored. The Cougars would leave tonight, salvaging a point in a tight UCHC playoff race. 

Nick Cyprian led the way for the Cougars offensively, picking up a goal and an assist in tonight's contest. Caden Pendo added two assists as the Cougars clawed their way back in tonight's hockey game. In goal, Cameron Kuntar was stellar. He made 47 saves, en route to a .940 save percentage. On the back end, Brendan Pomerantz and Camden Smith picked up a game-high 3 blocks each. 

The Cougars will be back in action tomorrow, February 21st, for their final game of the regular season. Game two against Utica is slated for a 2 pm puck drop.