GENESEO, NY – The Brockport Ice Hockey Team pulled off a historic upset on Friday night, defeating #10 Geneseo 3-2 on the road. The victory was a breakthrough for the program, snapping a 10-season losing streak to the Knights and ending Geneseo's six-game UCHC win streak.
The win also serves as a critical course correction for the Golden Eagles, who snapped a four-game losing skid of their own while improving to 10-14 on the season, with a 6-9 stamp in conference play.
How It Happened
The Golden Eagles set the tone late in the first period. At the 3:43 mark, Matthew Lee broke the scoreless tie with an even-strength goal, assisted by Manny Sanchez, to give Brockport a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Lee struck again for his second of the night at 5:39, this time off a feed from Jacob Gates. Geneseo refused to go away quietly, as the Knights found the back of the net at 17:09 of the middle frame to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Brockport's special teams provided the eventual game-winner in the third period. Jacob Gates buried a power-play goal at the 2:20 mark, assisted by Nick Reif, to extend the cushion to 3-1. Though Geneseo's Greg Diamond scored at 9:17 to bring the Knights within one, the Golden Eagles' defense weathered a late barrage to secure the road win.
Statistical Leaders
The offensive catalyst for the Green and Gold, Matthew Lee, netted two goals on five shots, providing the early momentum Brockport needed to stun the home crowd.
Jacob Gates turned in a multi-point performance with a goal and an assist. His power-play strike in the third period proved to be the decisive tally.
Standing tall in the crease, David Filak was spectacular despite the 57-24 shot discrepancy. Filak recorded a staggering 55 saves on 57 shots, finishing with a .965 save percentage to keep the #10-ranked Knights at bay. Filak's performance serves as one of the best in program history, setting a new career-high in saves
Manny Sanchez & Nick Reif both added crucial assists, with Sanchez setting up the opening goal and Reif providing the primary helper on the game-winning power-play tally.
Up Next: The Golden Eagles return home to Wegmans Ice Arena to host #10 Geneseo in a rematch to close out the regular season. Puck drop is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st at 7 PM.