Hockey Takes Game One at Air Force, 8-3

Friday, January 28

USAF Academy, CO

9:35 PM

Army West Point

10-11-3, 8-6-2

Air Force

9-12-2, 7-8-2

Army West Point

Air Force

Photo by: Army Athletics

Hockey Takes Game One at Air Force, 8-3

January 29, 2022 | Hockey

Box Score

By: Phil Tor

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – History was made at the United States Air Force Academy by Army West Point hockey tonight, as the team erupted for eight goals to take game one in the series.

Daniel Haider's hat-trick headlined a highlight-filled evening for the Black Knights who tallied the most goals for an Army team against Air Force since 1969. Coby Mack, Ricky Lyle, Thomas Farrell and Michael Sacco all put up a goal and assist each as Army cruised to the result.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Black Knights skated out onto the ice in front of a sold-out crowd at Cadet Ice Arena expecting a battle against their rivals. The Falcons used the energy from the crowd to generate two early first period goals.

The Cadets recovered from the slow start and opened up the scoring thanks to Thomas Farrell, who deposited a shot into the back of the net with a wrist shot in the slot. Michael Sacco score the equalizer at 17:12 in the period. The plebe's first career goal helped Army overcome the two-goal deficit and go into the first break tied at two goals a piece.

Army took advantage of a five-minute major penalty on Air Force and scored the first of its two powerplay goals to take the lead, 3-2, thanks to Daniel Haider. John Keranen made it 4-2 after he lifted a shot top shelf and then Haider poured it on with another powerplay goal to make it 5-2. Air Force answered to make it 5-3 at the end of the second frame.

The third period was all Army, as the Black Knights continued to cause havoc in Colorado Springs. First up, it was Ricky Lyle adding to the lead with a redirect off a drive from Firriolo. Then it was Daniel who -once again – found the back of the net to complete his hat-trick. Coby Mack rounded out the scoring for the Cadets with a blast from the blue line to give Army its eight goal of the night.

When time expired the scoreboard read Army – 8 and Air Force – 3. Army's eight goals were the second most ever scored against Air Force by an Army team and the most goals scored in a game this season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Army's eight goals were the most scored by the Black Knights against the Falcons since the first time the academies met on the ice in 1969 (12-4 Win)
The total was aslo the most goasl surrendered by the Falcons on their home ice all season
Daniel Haider recorded his first career hat-trick and the first three-goal effort against the Falcons since 2011 (Cody Omilusik)
Anthony Firriolo tied his career high with three assists on the night.
Colin Bilek tallied assists on the first two Army goals and now leads the team with 21
The Cadets scored twice while on the powerplay and has now scored four goals on the PP in their last two games
Michael Sacco scored his first career goal in the first period
Mitch Machlitt assisted on a goal to help him finish with the highest rating on the team (+4)
Eric Butte continued his strong faceoff effort, winning 11-of-17 in the contest
14 out of 19 skaters tallied points in the win
The Black Knights only allowed 15 shots to reach Gavin Abric, who made 12 saves on the night

COACH RILEY'S REACTION

Coach Riley reacts after the 8-3 win on the road

????#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/ifOmtaDxpv
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) January 29, 2022

CADET QUOTES

Michael Sacco scored his first career goal tonight and gave his take on what he saw from the team tonight #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/3QGZbZ9TEa
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) January 29, 2022