Hockey Drops Opener to Union

Sunday, October 8

West Point, NY

2:00 PM

Army West Point

0-1-0

Union College

1-0-0

Union (NY)

Army West Point

Hockey Drops Opener to Union

October 08, 2023 | Hockey

Box Score

WEST POINT, NY - Army West Point hockey (0-1-0, 0-0-0 AHA) fell in its season opener by a score of 6-0 to Union College (1-0-0, 0-0-0 ECAC) in front of 2,033 fans at Tate Rink. Army fell behind 3-0 in the opening period and was unable to find a breakthrough offensively as Kyle Chauvette logged a 19-save shutout for the Garnet Chargers.

Brian Riley selected seven freshman to make their collegiate debuts in the contest, featuring Brent Keefer, Jake Hewitt, Nik Hong, Pierce Patterson, Vincent Salice, Barron Woodring and Easton Zueger.

Army had the first opportunity of the contest, going on its first power-play under a minute into the game. Failing to capitalize, Union fired in the first goal of the game with just over 11 minutes to play in the period as John Prokop slotted home. Gavin Abric was busy in net for Army, stopping a breakaway and a pair of quality chances early. Chaz Smedsrud doubled the advantage minutes later, tucking one past Abric, who finished with 27 saves in 40 minutes of action. The Garnet Chargers took a commanding 3-0 lead at the end of the first period, scoring shorthanded through Carter Korpi who took the pass from Ben Tupker.

The second period was more of the same, as Union fired 16 shots on goal in consecutive periods to open the game. Abric was busy once again, and was able to stop 14 shots in the frame with a pair of goals from Caden Villegas and Ville Immonen which extended the lead to 5-0. Army put just six shots on net in the period and entered the third facing a five-goal deficit.

The bright spot for the Black Knights came via Evan Szary in the third period, who came on to make 13 saves in goal in a busy third period. Szary stopped a clean look in front from Cole Kodsi early on before stopping a breakaway midway through the period. The junior made one final highlight reel save in the closing minutes as Nate Henley saw a pair of efforts saved in front. The Garnet Chargers added one more goal in the final frame and eventually outshot the Black Knights 46-19.

Army ended the afternoon 0-5 on the power-play, while Union did not capitalize on its lone opportunity with the man advantage.

The Black Knights will turn the page and head west to the Ice Breaker Tournament this weekend, facing North Dakota on Friday night and Bemidji State on Saturday.