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JOHN CULLEN
Special to The Leader
After a long off-season that saw the Fredonia men’s ice hockey team change the culture of the program, the Blue Devils opened their much-anticipated season on the road Friday night at Buffalo State.
The latest installment in “The Battle by the Lake,” the all-sport, season-long competition between Fredonia and Buffalo State, had the feel of a playoff game seven in a matchup that pitted Fredonia against SUNYAC rival Buffalo State that ultimately ended in a 1-1 tie.
The line of senior defenseman Mitch Kaufmann, junior forward Mackenzie McAvoy and freshman forward Luke Rivera delivered some bone-crunching hits in the opening period, setting the tone early in the game that allowed Fredonia to establish an effective forecheck.
The trio was rewarded for its physical play as Kaufmann buried a one time shot bar-down off of a saucer pass — with the puck hovering just above the ice — from McAvoy who was sprung by Rivera with six seconds remaining in the first period.
“It was a great start for our team as we work to build together,” said Fredonia Head Coach Jeff Meredith.
He preached that playing this physical brand of hockey is integral to having success in the rough and tough SUNYAC.
At the other end of the ice senior goaltender Jeff Flagler turned in a performance for the ages, saving 31 shots on goal from the Bengals including two incredible saves late in the third period that kept the game even on the scoreboard.
Both teams enjoyed several power play chances with the Blue Devils getting an extended five-on-three with under five minutes left in regulation. But neither team was able to capitalize with the man advantage due in large part to some sensational saves from both goaltenders. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after a scoreless overtime.
After securing a point in their first road game of the season, the Blue Devils returned to Steele Hall Ice Arena for their home opener versus the Southern New Hampshire University Penmen.
Those in attendance may have noticed the Penmen rocking a new look, as they were forced to wear Fredonia Alumni jerseys after arriving at Steele Hall without their own.
Freshman forward Kyle Jelinski continued his strong start to the season netting Fredonia’s first goal off a nice feed from junior forward Marcus Ortiz. Ortiz used his speed to lose his defender behind the net, opening a lane to Jelinski who made no mistake about snapping a quick shot past the Penmen goaltender.
The offensive outburst continued on the powerplay as sophomore defenseman Oskar Gerhardson was able to find senior forward Taylor Bourne in the slot who fired a shot into the back of the net.
Later in the first period Bourne picked up the puck in neutral zone with speed as he wheeled into the offensive zone and sniped a shot over the head of Penmen starting goaltender David Letarte extending Fredonia’s lead to 3-1.
“On Saturday the boys knew how we had to play in order to win,” said Bourne, “and we came out with a chip on our shoulder.”
Bourne ended up netting three goals on the night, which was good for his first career collegiate hat-trick.
The Penman scored a shorthanded goal halfway through the second period cutting the Blue Devils’ lead to 3-2, but that was the closest it would get as Fredonia went on to score four unanswered goals. Freshman goaltender Eric Bogart shut the door in the pipes for his first collegiate win.
Bogart looked sharp in his college debut, coming up with several big saves as the Penmen looked to get back in the game finishing the game with 19 saves on 22 shots.
Rivera continued his strong play from the Buffalo State game scoring twice against Southern New Hampshire to secure the 7-3 win for the Blue Devils. Gerhardson, McAvoy and junior defenseman Zach White each chipped in with two assists in the home opener.
“It was great to be able to contribute with my first college hat-trick,” said Bourne. “and now we are excited to work in practice this week in preparation for two big conference games in North Country.”