Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
6-9-2, 5-5-1
Mercyhurst University
6-10-2, 5-3-2
Keranen Scores Overtime Winner to Lift Hockey Over Mercyhurst
December 10, 2022 | Hockey
ERIE, PA – Army West Point hockey (6-9-2, 5-5-1 AHA) picked up a 3-2 overtime victory over Mercyhurst (6-10-2, 5-3-2 AHA) to close out the first half of the season on a high note.
John Keranen scored the overtime winner on a breakaway and collected two goals on the night. Gavin Abric made 26 saves in net for Army including two in the extra period to keep Army alive.
The first period saw chances for both sides, with Army outshooting the Lakers 12-11. The Black Knights were unable to stay out of the box early for the second consecutive night, taking three penalties in the second half of the first period. The Army penalty kill remained strong, keeping Mercyhurst off the board and surviving the first twenty minutes with a scoreless deadlock.
Mercyhurst struck in the first seven minutes with an even strength goal from Mickey Burns, who had scored the game-winner last night in the final minute. Mercyhurst came close to a second, hitting the post while the teams were on their second 4-on-4 stretch of the period. The Black Knights outshot Mercyhurst once again in the second frame, 12-7, as both goaltenders did well to keep it a 1-0 game heading into the third period.
Army came out a new team in the final period, scoring twice in the opening 90 seconds to completely turn the game on its head. John Keranen tied the game after Max Itagaki gave a great centering pass from behind the net, pushing a one-timer past Tyler Harmon in the Lakers net. A minute later, Reese Farrell gave Army the lead with his first collegiate goal. Ricky Lyle attempted a shot from left side that was saved as Farrell was first to the loose puck on the rebound to make it a 2-1 game.
Mercyhurst didn't go down quietly, notching the game-tying goal with 8:49 to play which eventually forced an overtime period. The Lakers had a chance in the extra period, firing wide on a two-on-one break. Keranen was able to collect off the misfire, getting a breakaway chance to seal the game. The Army senior would do just that and score his fifth goal in five games to give Army the overtime victory and two points.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- John Keranen scored a pair of goals, including the OT winner. The senior is up to a seven goals this season, tying Joey Baez for the team lead.
- Reese Farrell scored his first collegiate goal to give Army a lead in the third period.
- Gavin Abric made 26 saves to secure his third victory of the season.
- Max Itagaki tabbed his team-leading 14th assist of the season.
- Thomas Farrell picked up fifth point in five games with a helper.
- John Driscoll and Rickly Lyle each logged assists for the Black Knights.
.@Coach_BRiley postgame reaction as Army picked up a big overtime victory to take home two points #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/rN4J3G1xdV
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) December 11, 2022
Up Next
Army returns to the ice on Monday, January 2 with a road matchup at Yale at 7:30 p.m.
