BUFFALO, NY - On Friday the Cougars (3-8-1) played game one of a split location weekend double header when they traveled to play the Buffalo State Bengals (9-5). The Cougars fell by a score of 4-3.

In the first period the Bengals took the early lead building a 2-0 lead 11 minutes into the game. The Cougars answered back, pulling within one when Nick Babbie scored on the assists from Tyler Samodral and Nick Cyprian. That would be the end of the scoring in the first period with the Bengals leading 2-1.

When the second period started the Bengals opened up another two goal lead scoring the first goal of the period on a rebound shot to make the score 3-1. The Cougars answered back once again making the score 3-2. That goal was scored by Oscar Saarinen assisted by True Crowe and Camden Smith. The shots on goal were tied between the teams at 11 in the second period.

In the third period, the Bengals scored first, extending their lead back to two goals. Only fifty seconds later the Cougars would answer back, cutting the lead back to one goal. The goal was scored by Tyler Samodral assisted by Evan Mitchell. Although the Cougars would have more looks at the net in the last six minutes they were unable to find the net and lost by a final of 4-3.

Offensively the Cougars were led by Samodral who had a goal and an assist. Geno Pichora made 33 saves in the game ending with an 89.2% save rate in the game.

The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday January 10th, when they host Buffalo State for Senior Recognition Day starting at 3 PM.