Second period leads No. 14 UMass to 5-1 win

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – UMass, ranked 14^th in the nation, scored three second-period goals and held off Air Force for a 5-1 win in the consolation game of the 2024 Ice Breaker Tournament, Saturday, Oct. 12, at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

After a scoreless first period, UMass (2-1-0) forced a turnover at the blue line and led to a goal by Lucas Olvestad on the rush at 2:44 of the second period. Midway through the second period, a minor penalty was called on Air Force defenseman Nolan Cunningham. After a video review requested by the UMass coaches, a five-minute major and game misconduct was given to Air Force forward Jasper Lester. As a result, UMass scored a pair of power-play goals. Cole O'Hara scored a 5-on-3 power play goal at 7:45 of the second period. The Minutemen struck again at Aydar Suniev scored on the 5-on-4 power play for a 3-0 lead.

Midway through the third period, Nick VanTassell got free on the rush and scored at 9:03 for a 4-0 lead. Late in the period, Chris Hedden drew a major penalty on VanTassell and then Mason McCormick drew a cross checking penalty on Olvestad, giving the Falcons a 5-on-3. On the 5-on-3, Hedden scored his first of the season with a one-timer from the right point with 4:56 remaining. Clayton Cosentino and Nick Remissong assisted on Hedden's ninth career power-play goal. Air Force pulled the goalie for a 6-on-4 advantage, but was unable to score on that power play. Air Force kept the extra attacker on the ice, but UMass scored an empty-netter as O'Hara netted his second of the game with 1:12 left to make up the final margin of 5-1.

UMass oushot Air Force, 37-34, in the game. The Falcons had 20 shots on goal in the third period. The Minutemen were 2-for-3 on the power play while the Falcons were 1-for-5. Guy Blessing made 32 saves for the Falcons. Michael Hrabal made 33 for UMass.
"We were better tonight," head coach Frank Serratore said. "They were just a little better than us in every area. They are an honest, hard-working, physical team that executed very well. They don't' make very many mistakes. Did we take a step in the right direction? We will find out Friday night against a very good Lindenwood team."

Air Force (1-3-0) returns home to host Lindenwood, Friday, Oct, 18 (7:05 pm) and Sunday, Oct. 20 (3:35 pm) at the Cadet Ice Arena.

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Team Stats

Chris Hedden

Clayton Cosentino

Nick Remissong

Brendan Gibbons

Players Mentioned

Guy Blessing

Clayton Cosentino

Nolan Cunningham

Chris Hedden

Jasper Lester

Mason McCormick

Nick Remissong

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