Air Force and Niagara skate to 1-1 overtime tie

NIAGARA, N.Y. – Air Force and Niagara skated to a 1-1 overtime tie in an Atlantic Hockey Association game, Monday, Jan. 4, at Dwyer Arena in Niagara, N.Y. After a scoreless 3-on-3 overtime period, Niagara won the shootout, 2-1, for the extra point in the standings.

In a fast-paced first period, the Falcons outshot the Purple Eagles, 14-5. The Falcons had several quality chances in the period, a pair by Max Harper and Shawn Knowlton, that were turned away by NU goalie Mike Corson.

Midway through the second period, Niagara took a 1-0 lead on the power play as Walker Sommer scored with slap shot from the right circle. Air Force answered with 35 seconds left in the second period. Will Gavin started the rush in the Falcons' end and Brandon Koch's shot was saved. Freshman Brian Adams put back the rebound for his first career goal.

Air Force (0-5-1 overall, 0-5-1 AHA) outshot Niagara, 16-5, in the third period but neither team was able to score. In the 3-on-3 overtime session, each team had two shots on goal. Niagara had the best chance when Sommer split two Falcons with speed, but Zach LaRocque made the save.

In the shootout, Shawn Knowlton started and his shot was saved. After LaRocque made a save on Ryan Cox, Air Force's Willie Reim's shot went wide. Niagara scored the first goal as Jack Billings went five-hole on LaRocque. Falcon freshman Nate Horn tied the shootout with a wrister, high blocker-side over Corson. Sommer was the final shooter and went high blocker for the shootout win.

Air Force outshot Niagara, 42-23, in the game. Niagara was 1-for-4 on the power play while Air Force was 0-for-2. LaRocque made 22 saves for the Falcons while Corson made 41 for the Purple Eagles.

"We were so much better tonight and I was pleased with our play," head coach Frank Serratore said. "We got our butts kicked last night. But our guys fought back tonight. Our seniors answered the challenge. We fell behind early, but found a way to tie that game. Zach LaRocque was excellent for us tonight. We outshot them by a 2-to-1 margin, and that's hard to do against a fast, skilled team like they have. This was just what the doctor ordered."

Air Force travels to Erie, Pa., for a two-game conference series against the Mercyhurst Lakers, Friday-Saturday, Jan. 8-9.

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