Utica, N.Y. - The Elmira College Men's hockey team traveled to Utica, NY for a conference matchup with the Pioneers of Utica University on Saturday night. The Soaring Eagles battled but fell after a strong first period by Utica, 5-2.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
Utica started the game strong putting the Elmira defense to the test early. The Pioneers were able to score first two minutes into the contest. Utica found the back of the net again a bit later, taking a 2-0 lead just four minutes in. Brody Haynes made some nice saves in net for EC, including a stop and then another save on the rebound right after. Utica struck again in the first period, extending their advantage to 3-0. Haynes was tested again throughout the first but stood tall the rest of the way, making 12 saves. Elmira put some shots towards the net, but most were blocked by Utica defenders.

The Soaring Eagles got things going early in the second period. Jake Terra started into the offensive zone for Elmira and sent a pass to the center slot. Brock Macdonald received the pass, spun around, and fired a shot on net that beat the goalie, getting Elmira on the board. Corbin Melie was credited with the secondary assist on the play. The penalty kill was tested throughout the middle period with Elmira taking three penalties. The PK stood tall keeping Utica off the scoreboard in the second, including holding them to zero shots on goal during the first kill. Utica outshot Elmira 14-5 during the second, but Haynes was able to stop all 14 shots.

EC got some shots early in the third period by Terra and Austin Jerzak, but they were blocked by defenders. Utica was able to score a shorthanded goal four minutes into the third period, pushing the advantage to 4-1. The Soaring Eagles had a pair of powerplay opportunities but were unable to take advantage. Tyler Schwindt had a rebound attempt with nine minutes remaining, but the Utica Goalie made the stop to keep EC from getting any momentum. Utica took a 5-1 lead as they scored again with five minutes left. Nicholas Bennett found the back of the net for Elmira's second goal of the game with four minutes remaining. Assists on the play Makai Tarjamo and Justin Pare. Time would run out on the Soaring Eagles, as Utica took the victory in this contest 5-2.

SCORING

PERIOD	TIME	SCHOOL	GOAL	ASSIST(S)
1st	2:40	Utica	Eric Vitale	Tyler Procious, Andrew Della Rovere
1st	4:15	Utica	Aidan Hughes	Davis Goukler,
1st	7:20	Utica	Aidan Hughes	Tyler Procious, Preston Brighton
2nd	2:59	Elmira	Brock MacDonald	Jake Terra, Corbin Melie
3rd	4:41	Utica (SH)	Andrew Della Rovere	Drake Morse, Preston Brighton
3rd	14:51	Utica	Eric Vitale	Aydin Parekh, John Gutt
3rd	15:37	Elmira	Nicholas Bennett	Makai Terjamo, Justin Pare

 
 
UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles travel to Pittsburgh, PA for a conference matchup with the Cougars of Chatham University on Friday February 13th. Puck drop is set for 4pm.