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The Oswego State men's ice hockey team defeated Buffalo State, 4-3, in its first home SUNYAC action of the season. With the win, the Lakers move to 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in conference play, while the Bengals fall to 3-2-1 overall and 0-1-1 in conference action.
Oswego took an early lead over the Bengals. Just over five minutes into the game, Joseph Molinaro slapped a hard shot through traffic into the right side of the Bengal net for his first goal of the season. Cameron Berry, who won the faceoff prior to Molinaro's goal, notched an assist on the goal.
In the third period with a tie game, the Lakers tacked on another goal. Josh Zizek fed the puck to Aaron Huffnagle, who swooped in on the left side of the net, sending it past the diving Bengal goalie. Huffnagle's goal was his first of the season, while Zizek's third assist moved him into a tie for first place on the team with freshman Max Novick.
With a 2-2 tie and less than 20 minutes to play, Berry regained the lead for the Lakers. The junior gained control of the puck in front of the Bengal net, sending it in for the go-ahead goal.
Less than 30 seconds later, Mitch Emerson scored an empty-net goal for the Lakers. The goal proved to be crucial for Oswego, as Buffalo State added a third goal with less than a minute to go in the game. Oswego was able to close it out, taking home the 4-3 win.
Goalie David Richer, who entered the game in ninth place in Division III with an average of 1.5 goals allowed per game, started his third game in the net for the Lakers. The sophomore collected 21 saves, bringing his total to 69 for the season.
Oswego outshot Buffalo State 39-24 during the game, and won 35 face-offs compared to the Bengals' 29. The Lakers also killed the only two penalties they received.
On Saturday night, the Lakers will return to the ice when they host Fredonia at 7 p.m. for Alumni Night.
