BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo State men's hockey team earned their first win of the season, defeating Hiram College 3–0 to claim third place in the Buffalo State Bengal Classic consolation matchup.
GAME BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 3, Hiram College – 0
LOCATION: Ice Arena – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 1-1-0 (0-0-0 SUNYAC), Hiram College: 0-2-0
INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE
- Michael Marquez (Upland, CA/Yarmouth Mariners), Tyler Penree (New Hartford, NY/Vermont Lumberjacks), and David Tolan (LaVerne, CA/Danbury Hat Tricks) each found the back of the net for the Bengals in a balanced offensive effort. It was a true team performance, as five different Bengals recorded assists in the win.
- In goal, Ben Dardis (Pine Springs, MN/Olds Grizzlys) was rock solid, stopping all 14 shots he faced to earn the shutout victory.
- The Bengals dominated throughout, outshooting the Terriers 48–14 and controlling the faceoff circle with 46 wins.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After falling to St. John Fisher University in the opening round of the Buffalo State Bengal Classic, a motivated Bengals squad returned to the ice looking to regroup and capture their first win of the season in the consolation matchup against the Hiram College Terriers.
- In the opening period, the Bengals wasted no time setting the tone, applying heavy pressure in the Terriers' defensive zone. Their efforts paid off in the sixth minute, as the Bengals struck first to take the early lead. Despite continued offensive pressure, the Terriers' defense held firm, keeping the Bengals from adding to their advantage, with the Bengals entering the first intermission up 1–0.
- The Bengals carried that energy into the second period, doubling their lead with a quick goal just three minutes in. They maintained a relentless forecheck throughout the frame, generating several strong scoring chances, but the Terriers' defense once again limited further damage. The Bengals entered the second intermission holding a 2–0 edge.
- In the third period, the Bengals continued to dominate puck possession, peppering the Terriers' goaltender with quality shots. Their persistence finally broke through midway in the frame, as they netted their third goal in the 13th minute to extend the lead. The Bengals defense stayed sharp the rest of the way, keeping the Terriers off the scoreboard and securing a 3–0 shutout victory to earn their first win of the season.
FOR THE FOES
- Mark Paton started in net for the Terriers, making 45 saves in full game action.
UP NEXT
The Bengals will return to action next Friday, November 7
th, when they travel to SUNY Brockport to face the Golden Eagles at 7:00 PM.
