Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
1-5-1, 1-2-1
AIC
1-4-0, 1-1-0
Gavin Abric's Shutout Effort Leads Hockey To a Win Over #RV AIC
October 22, 2021 | Hockey
Jake Felker and John Keranen both scored their first goals of the season to boost Army to its first win over a team receiving votes since 2019.Â
HOW IT HAPPENED
The strong defensive effort began from the first drop of the puck, as the Cadets blocked the first three shots fired off by AIC. Andrew Quetell and Marshal Plunkett both jumped in front of the shots to protect Abric.Â
AIC jumped on an early powerplay, but it was killed off after three saves by Abric and another pair of blocks from the Black Knights defense.Â
Jake Felker got Army on the board at 8:06 in the first period with his first goal of the season off assists from Daniel Haider and Plunkett. Army would kill off another AIC powerplay to hold the 1-0 advantage at the end of the first 20 minutes. The line of Felker, Haider and Ricky Lyle continued to impress in the offensive zone, setting up several Black Knights scoring chances.Â
There was not much to report on in the second period, as Army and AIC went back-and-forth, but both teams were kept off the board. The Black Knights blocked eight shots in the second frame to go along with 14 more Abric saves to hold AIC off the scoreboard.Â
Army ramped up the offensive pressure in the third period, attempting to add to its lead by firing off 11 shots in the first five minutes. The onslaught would continue with eight consecutive shots in the following shifts. AIC held off the Black Knights attack during the flurry, but could not find the equalizer.
Army held onto the lead and added an insurance goal at the 19:20 mark from John Keranen to secure the win.Â
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Gavin Abric posted the first shutout and win of his career after a 36-save performanceÂ
- Jake Felker scored the eventual game-winning-goal in the third period for his first tally off the season
- Daniel Haider and Marshal Plunkett both picked up points with their second assists on the year
- Captain's Colin Bilek and Eric Butte both suited up for their 100th career game tonightÂ
- Army picked up its first win over a team receiving votes since 2019 (10-19-19, Robert Morris Univ.)
- John Keranen added a goal while leading the way in the faceoff circle, winning 14-24 drawsÂ
- The Black Knights blocked a total of 22 shots in the contest
- Anthony Firriolo, Andrew Quetell and Marshal Plunkett led the way three blocked shotsÂ
- Army outshot AIC in two periods (11-10 (1st), 14-8 (2nd))Â
- The penalty kill put up another great showing, killing off three man-advantages for AICÂ
- 1,516 fans showed up to support the Black Knights in their first win of the season
Â
Opening statement from Coach Riley after the Black Knights secured 3? points and the win over AIC#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/5fFS4fGqdr
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) October 23, 2021
GAVIN ABRIC REACTS AFTER HIS FIRST CAREER SHUTOUT
Goaltender Gavin Abric reacts after notching win #??1?? of his young career #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/4CIAUbQPPU
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) October 23, 2021
CAPTAIN COLIN BILEK RECAPS THE WIN
"It was a great team win from our group. The boys battles incredibly hard and this win most certainly give us something to build off of going into next weekend." - Colin Bilek
UP NEXTÂ
The Army hockey team will rest, recover and prepare for a challenging pair of games over the next two weeks with Princeton (Oct. 30) and Yale (Nov. 12). The ECACÂ teams will both make their way to Tate Rink to take on the Black Knights. Puck drop against Princeton is set for 4:05 PM.Â
Follow AlongÂ
For more updates and information on Army Hockey follow the team on Instagram and Twitter and online at goarmywestpoint.com.Â
