Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
United States National Team Development Program
Army Falls in Overtime Thriller to USNTDP in Exhibition Contest; Baez Scores Four Goals
October 23, 2022 | Hockey
BOX SCORE
WEST POINT, N.Y. - Army West Point hockey and the U18 United States National Team Development Program put on a spectacular showcase at Tate Rink on Sunday afternoon, with USNTDP prevailing by a score of 7-6 in overtime. Army trailed by two goals with under two minutes to play, forcing overtime through Joey Baez, who scored four goals for the Black Knights.
The two sides meeting for the first time came out neck and neck in the first period, with each killing an early penalty through the first eight minutes. Army went ahead at the 15:07 mark, with Brett Abdelnour doing well to keep the puck in the offensive zone, before passing off to Joey Baez who fired home the finish. Baez had previously scored the first goal for Army in each of its past two contests. Shots were even at 11 apiece through the first 20 minutes as Army led 1-0.
It was a hot start to the second period for the U18 side, scoring a pair of goals within the first six minutes to pull ahead. Army tied the game up soon after, with Baez taking advantage of a puck loose in front of net and putting it past Carsen Musser in goal. With both teams seeing a flurry of chances, the USNTDP once again took the lead through Danny Nelson with just over a minute remaining the period. The Black Knights trailed 3-2 headed into the final period.
The floodgates opened in the scoring department in the final period, with both teams showcasing their offensive skill and prowess throughout. Max Itagaki notched his first goal in an Army uniform to tie the score at 1:29 with Ricky Lyle providing the assist. The deadlock would not last long, with Nelson qucikly giving USA back the lead at 4:05. Nonetheless, Josh Bohlin lit the lamp off a rebound attempt just over 80 seconds later to once again tie the score.
Playing at even strength for a long stretch, Army would concede the next goal with Ryan Leonard logging his second of the contest for the road side at 7:38. Will Vote gave USA a two-goal cushion with under five minutes remaining, but Army would refuse to go down without a valiant fight. Seconds after pulling the goalie, Baez redirected in a pass from Firriolo, giving Army a chance with just under two minutes remaining.
Heading to the power play with just over a minute left in the game, Army controlled possession off a faceoff win with Ricky Lyle giving Baez a short pass near the left circle, with Baez scoring his fourth goal of the game to force the overtime period. After the miraculous comeback, Army controlled possession for the beginning of the overtime period, before the USNTDP was able to get Will Smith in behind the defense, who scored the game-winning goal to cap a memorable contest at Tate Rnk.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Joey Baez recorded four goals on the afternoon, becoming the first cadet since 1999 to achieve the feat.
- Brett Abdelnour provided an assist on the first two Baez goals.
- Anthony Firriolo contributed all game from the blueline, logging two assists and six shots on goal.
- Army outshot USA 50-37, including 20-8 in the third period.
- Justin Evenson made 30 saves seeing his first action of the season.
- Thomas Farrell tabbed three blocked shots to go along with five shots on goal.
- Josh Bohlin and Max Itagaki each scored a goal in the third period for the Black Knights.
- Army went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
- Army logged 20 shots on goal in a single period for the first time this season.
Coach's Corner
?? Postgame reaction from @Coach_BRiley following today's overtime thriller at Tate Rink#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/y8QaeZAXGJ
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) October 23, 2022
Cadet's Corner
?? Postgame thoughts from Joey Baez after his incredible four-goal game including two in the final two minutes to force overtime#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/GLisBQ7lmW
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) October 23, 2022
Up Next
Army will welcome Atlantic Hockey foe AIC next Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Tate Rink.
For complete coverage of Army West Point hockey follow the Black Knights on Twitter & Instagram @ArmyWP_Hockey and at www.goarmywestpoint.com.
