Pine Valley, NY – The Soaring Eagles Men's Ice Hockey team hosted the Blue Devils of SUNY Fredonia in a non-conference match-up. This was the second meeting of the year between the two teams with Elmira winning the first game on road.
In the first period Elmira claimed an early 1-0 lead against the Blue Devils. Fourth year defenseman Karl Linden '11 (Stockholm, Sweden -- Bradford Rattlers, GMJHL) gave Elmira the lead on a booming slap shot just inside the blue line at the 4:53 mark. Michael Kirby '12 (Delta, BC -- Melford Mustangs, SJHL) assisted on the game's opening goal. The period would showcase both teams' speed as both teams flew back and forth on the ice. The period would come to an end with Elmira holding a 1-0 lead, out-shooting Fredonia 10-to-5.
The second period would again produce another EC score as Wes Consorti '12 (Brantford, ONT -- Niagara University) found the twine for his fourth goal of the season at the 10:31 mark. His goal came on a two-on-one breakaway in which Darcy Vaillancourt '12 (Bonfield, ONT -- Innisfil Lakers, GMJHL) would create space with a pass in front of the net, leaving Consorti with a wide open net for the goal. The focus on defense was apparent in the second for Elmira as they denied Fredonia a power-play goal as EC killed 21 penalty minutes. With a strong effort, EC would maintain a 2-0 lead as the second period expired.
Fredonia would find the back of the net in the third period as Mat Hehr would bury a shot from close range during a scrum in front of the EC net at the 14:33 mark. A determined Elmira offense answered back almost immediately as Linden netted his second goal of the contest. Vaillancourt would set up the goal as he would handle the puck from behind the net, dumping it off to Linden for an open shot. Rick Acorn '12 (Barrie, ONT -- Couchiching Terriers, OPJHL) would also earn an assist on the goal. The period would come to a close, with Elmira earning the 3-1 victory.
Darren MacDonald '13 (Stittsville, ONT -- Nepean Raiders, CJHL) earned the win for the Purple and Gold by making 27 saves in 60 minute of play. Elmira will look to pick up another win as they travel to take on SUNYAC opponent SUNY Geneseo on Saturday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m.
Elmira College 3 SUNY Fredonia 1
Box Score
