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In the last update, things were looking a little bleak for Air Force’s hockey team. They lost two games to AIC who had already been swept themselves by the Falcons’ next opponent, RIT. The Falcons even dropped into second place in the Atlantic Hockey Conference standings.
Nevertheless, Frank Serratore’s club pressed on and after 12 days of rest, they beat RIT 3-1 and 3-0.
In Friday’s game, Evan Feno, Kieran Durgan, and Matt Pulver all lit up the goal light, while Zach Mirageas tallied two assists. With Billy Christopoulos between the pipes, the Falcon penalty killers shut down RIT on 4 power plays and 18 saves were made in total. The Falcons outshot RIT with 26 pucks on the net and it was clear the rest helped the Falcons play fast and effectively.
On Saturday, Evan Feno mixed it up heavily on the offense with two goals and an assist, while Evan Giesler buried a goal on a second period power play. Billy Christopoulos minded the net again for the Falcons and stood like the wall in the Westeros, making 31 saves. The man down defense shined again, blanking the Tigers on their five power plays.
It’s tough to complain as a Falcon hockey fan now. They sit at the top of the AHC with 16 conference points, but AIC, Niagra, and Army all sit a point behind. If the pace of the season is a marathon, it may end in an arms race around conference playoff time. Air Force takes on Mercyhurst tonight and tomorrow before a Christmas break until December 29th.
Mercyhurst is 7-7, and they’re currently on a two game heater after sweeping Bentley. That is not to say that they aren’t a tough opponent, we’ve seen that especially in the AHC, any team can beat another on a given day. If Air Force can beat Mercyhurst, it can be a strong statement to the conference that they’re here to stay at the top of the standings.