Oswego State men’s ice hockey downs Bengals

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The nationally-ranked Oswego State men’s ice hockey team used two middle period tallies to beat host Buffalo State 4-1 on Friday night. Oswego – ranked fourth in both national polls this week – is now 15-3-2 overall and remain unbeaten in the SUNYAC while the Bengals drop to 15-5-2, 8-3-2.

A quick Buffalo State goal just 24 seconds into the contest was the only scoring in the opening period. The Lakers responded with two goals in the second, starting at 9:16. Tanner Spink was able to create his own scoring opportunity with an unassisted goal – his seventh of the year – to even the game.

Less than six minutes later, Oswego was at it again. Charlie Pelnik registered the first goal of his career at 15:02 off passes from fellow defenseman Chris MacMillan and forward Thomas Horn. The sophomore’s goal proved to be the game-winner as Oswego held Buffalo State scoreless over the final 59:36.

Oswego would add two insurance goals late as the Bengals emptied their net for an extra skater. Still ahead 2-1, Michael Gillespie reached double figures in the scoring column for the year with an empty-net goal at 18:37. Gillespie was assisted by sophomore classmate Josh Zizek. Just 33 seconds later, Jody Sullivan made it 4-1, slinging one into the back of the net off a helper from Carter Allen.

David Richer had a solid night between the pipes, recovering from the early Buffalo State goal to stop 14 straight shots for the triumph. Richer is now 10-1-2 on the year.

Both squads’ penalty-kill units were perfect on the night, as neither team was able to score on its power-play chances (Oswego 0-2; Buffalo State 0-3).

Oswego doubled the Bengals in the shot category, putting 30 attempts on-goal compared to Buffalo State’s 15.

The Lakers will remain in Western New York for a 7 p.m. puck drop on Saturday at Fredonia.

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