The Geneseo Ice Knights finished a season that began with high hopes on February 22, losing to Fredonia, 4-1, in the first round of the SUNYAC playoffs.

Geneseo defeated Morrisville on February 17, 3-2, in their season finale in order to host a playoff game. First year Justin Scharfe, sophomore Carson Schell, and junior Kaz Iwamoto each scored for the Ice Knights. Senior Cory Gershon made 24 saves in goal for the win.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. Our guys gutted out a nice win,” head coach Chris Schultz said. Schultz added after the game that the team was really looking forward to hosting a SUNYAC playoff game.

Geneseo got off to a slow start in the playoff game against Fredonia, as the Blue Devils outshot Geneseo 12-6 in the period and controlled possession time.

“They came out in the first period not to lose,” Schultz said. “We didn’t even show up in our own rink after getting a break with home ice.”

Fredonia scored on the power play late in the first period to take a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. Gershon made several big saves in the first, which helped keep Geneseo close early on. Gershon finished the game with 26 saves.

“He made some big saves that they could of opened up a big lead on us early on,” Schultz said of Gershon.

Geneseo tied the game in the second period, as senior David Arduin scored on a rebound. Juniors Ryan Bulach and Colin de Jersey assisted on the play. Geneseo was able to create some pressure later in the second, but were unable to take the lead.

Geneseo went on a five minute power play in the closing seconds of the second, but were unable to convert in the third and lost momentum for the remainder of the game.

“All the momentum changed after that five minute period,” Schultz added.

Fredonia blocked countless Geneseo shots, especially on the power play, causing Geneseo to finish 0-4 with a man advantage during the game.

“They did a really good job of staying in the lane and not letting that lane open up,” Schultz said. “We knew coming in to it, especially their penalty kill was going to pack it in and block those shots. I guess we didn’t realize how good they were at doing it.”

Fredonia took the lead with two goals just 20 seconds apart from each other during the middle of the third. Geneseo put on the pressure the rest of the game but were unable to find the back of the net.

Fredonia added an empty net goal in the last minute of the game to seal their victory. They outshot Geneseo 30-21 for the game, and limited Geneseo’s offensive chances throughout the game.

Geneseo ends an injury filled season with a record of 13-12-1.

“It was a tough season for everybody. We were never able to get a flow with a consistent lineup,” Schultz said. “I really feel awful for our seniors because I really thought that by the time they leave we'd have a championship. It’s very disappointing that whether it’s catching the breaks or making the breaks, we didn’t put them in a position to win a championship.”