PINE VALLEY, N.Y. - The Elmira College men's hockey team hosted first-place Utica University in a UCHC matchup Friday night. The Soaring Eagles battled for 60 minutes with the #8 nationally ranked Pioneers but ultimately fell, 6–4.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
It was a strong start for the Soaring Eagles, who spent much of the opening minutes in the Pioneers' zone, but it was Utica that struck first 11 minutes in, scoring off a rebound to take a 1–0 lead. A few minutes later, EC capitalized on a power play to even the game, as Tyler Schwindt's shot found the back of the net. With three minutes left in the period, a Utica power play threatened to regain the lead, but Austin Jerzak's wraparound gave the Soaring Eagles a shorthanded goal — and their first lead of the game — for a 2–1 edge at the first intermission.

Utica opened the second period just two minutes in, scoring a power-play goal to level the contest at two. Shortly after, the Pioneers struck twice in two minutes to extend their lead to 4–2. The Soaring Eagles found a spark after killing off a five-minute power play for Utica, and Jake Terra helped them pull back within one when his shot beat the Utica netminder with under two minutes left in the period. The Soaring Eagles went into the locker room trailing, 4–3.

Five minutes into the final period, Utica's John Gutt scored off a cross-crease pass to extend the Pioneers' lead to two. EC pressed to get back into the game for much of the period, getting pucks on net and generating chances, but the Utica netminder stood tall. With just over two minutes left and a power-play opportunity, the Soaring Eagles pulled Brody Haynes to look for a six-on-four goal. Schwindt delivered his second of the game, scoring off a scramble at the top of the crease. With 90 seconds left and still searching for the equalizer with the extra attacker, the Soaring Eagles created a great chance but were unable to connect, and Utica added an empty-net goal to claim the 6–4 win.

SCORING

UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles will travel to Utica University tomorrow for a rematch with the Pioneers at 7:00 PM. They will then play two games at Chatham University next weekend before returning to the MAC on Friday, February 20 to face Manhattanville University as they celebrate First Responders Night. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.