Ice Knights fall to Adrian in OT

The 12th ranked Geneseo Ice Knights opened their season with a loss to #4 Adrian on October 22 in overtime, 6-5.

The Knights took the lead in the first period as senior Clint Olson made a great play to free the puck from the corner. He then threw the puck on net where sophomore Carson Schell was able to put home the rebound for the early lead. Adrian scored later in the period to tie the game at the first intermission.

Geneseo took off early in the second period, with three goals in the first six minutes, including two on the power play. Sophomore Zachary Vit and senior Jimmy Powers scored the two power play goals. First year Justin Scharfe earned two assists on each power play goal.

Senior David Arduin scored one minute later to give the Ice Knights a commanding 4-1 lead. Junior Ryan Bulach picked up the assist on the play. The line of Arduin, Bulach, and senior Stefan Decosse have played together the last three years as well as in junior hockey.

“They are very in tune as to where each other are on the ice,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “They have special chemistry. For them, it’s all about how hard they work in order to achieve their goal.”

The Ice Knights allowed two goals late in the second but still held a one goal lead after two periods. Adrian tied the game at four just 15 seconds into the third period with a power play goal. The Bulldogs scored another power play goal five minutes later to take a 5-4 lead after being down 4-1.

“We took the foot off the gas. If and when you get tired, you have to rely on your mind to make the right decisions and execute the game plan,” Schultz said. “During that time late in the second period, we turned the puck over and made terrible decisions with our brains.”

Geneseo tied the game at five just three minutes later as the team was making a quick change. Junior Nick Ryan quickly skated into the offensive zone and scored on a nice pass from first year Jack Caradonna.

The score remained tied at five the remainder of the third period. The Ice Knights opened overtime on the power play, but were unable to score. After killing the penalty, Adrian was able to find the back of the net to win the game, 6-5. Senior Cory Gershon made 26 saves in goal, taking the loss.

Despite the loss, Geneseo will learn from this game against a tough opponent heading into SUNYAC play.

“I think both teams will take a hard look at the defensive zone after that game,” Schultz said. “Adrian will be a very good team every year. I would much rather play a team of that caliber than schedule a cupcake game.”

Geneseo opens SUNYAC play at home on Friday, October 28 against Fredonia.