PITTSBURGH, PA - The Chatham University Cougars (9-13-2) came into today's matchup just one conference point away from locking up a home playoff game when they hosted the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles (5-17-2). The Cougars and Golden Eagles played a back and forth contest and the Cougars ended up playing their sixth overtime game of the year. The Cougars had previously been 5-0 in those games winning three in overtime and two in shootouts. They would add to that with a 5-4 overtime victory to solidify a home playoff game.

In the first period both teams came out flying and lighting up the scoreboard. The Golden Eagles got on the board first when they scored 6 ½ minutes into the game. The Cougars would answer back just one minute later when Nick Cyprian scored his 13th goal of the season, tying the single season record. He was assisted by Nick Babbie and Brendan Pomerantz. Less than two minutes later, the Cougars took their first lead of the game when Dylan Young scored on the assists from Matt Doyle and Evan Mitchell. Five minutes later, the Golden Flyers tied the game up at two. That was all the scoring in the first period despite good looks for both teams.

In the second period, Zack Conner scored on the assist by Cyprian to to give the Cougars a 3-2 lead 6 ½ minutes into the second period. The Cougars extended upon their lead a minute later when Michael Roby scored on the assists from Brendan Pomerantz and True Crowe. That gave the Cougars a 4-2 lead. Less than two minutes later, the Golden Eagles trimmed into the lead with a power play goal. The Cougars would then hold on to their one goal lead heading into the final period.

In the third period, the Golden Eagles tied the game 3 ½ minutes into the third period. Despite both teams having quality looks throughout the final period, both goalies made spectacular saves to keep the game tied and force overtime. 

For the sixth time this season, the Cougars found themselves in overtime having come out victorious in the previous five. In this one the Golden Eagles won the opening face off and both teams had quality looks at the goal. The Golden Eagles had a 2 on 1 forming when Nick Babbie laid out to block a pass that sent the puck to Conner who took it down the ice and scored the game winner, his second career overtime winner. That cliches a home playoff game for the Cougars on Wednesday February 26th. It will be the first home playoof game for the Cougars since the 2021-22 season.

The Cougars were led by Conner and Pomerantz who had two points apiece. Conner with two goals and Pomerantz with two assists. Defensively, the Cougars were led by Kadsen Johnson who had three blocks to help his goalie. Geno Pichora was in net for the Cougars and made 35 saves and had an 89.7% save rate.

The Cougars and Golden Eagles will play the final regular season game on Saturday February 22nd at 3 PM in Hunt Armory.