Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
9-14-3, 8-9-1
Niagara University
13-12-2, 7-10-2
Baez Scores Overtime Winner as Hockey Beats Niagara 3-2
February 03, 2023 | Hockey
NIAGARA, NY - Army West Point hockey (9-14-3, 8-9-1 AHA) secured an overtime victory over Niagara (13-12-2, 7-10-2 AHA) as Joey Baez scored the game-winning goal 34 seconds into overtime. A game in which Army never led, Justin Evenson stood tall all night in net, making 33 saves to keep the Black Knights in the game throughout.
The game-winner marked the second goal of the game for Baez, and second overtime win for the Black Knights this season (John Keranen at Mercyhurst, Dec. 10). Trailing 2-1 in the third period, Brett Abdelnour scored on the power-play for Army with 8:36 left to play to ultimately force the overtime period.
Each team got on the power-play in the first period, as nothing was doing in the opening twenty minutes for either side. Evenson and Chad Veltri for Niagara were up to the task early, making nine and ten saves respectively in the first frame.
The Black Knights headed to another power-play 6:12 into the second period, lasting just six seconds before Army took a penalty to make it a 4-on-4. Niagara took advantage soon after, with Jason Pineo finding a charging Josef Mysak, who was able to give the Purple Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Army answered back with 3:33 to play in the second period, with a nifty move from John Keranen setting up the 13th goal of the season from Joey Baez. Keranen skated from left to right behind the Niagara net, getting Veltri turned in the wrong direction before slotting a backhand pass to Baez who was able to slam the equalizer home past Veltri.
Niagara held the shots lead 19-17 through two periods and started the third period with a full two-minutes on a 5-on-4. With just seconds remaining on the power-play, Niagara found the go-ahead goal through Ryan Naumovski with a rebound in front. Now trailing 2-1, Army once again took a penalty early in its own power-play as Niagara continued to apply pressure. Overall, the Purple Eagles won the shots battle 16-10 in the third but eventually sent the Black Knights to another power-play with 9:33 left on the clock.
Max Itagaki made the move this time, getting to the front of the net and forcing a save from Veltri. However, Brett Abdelnour was first on the spot to fire in the rebound from close range and tie the game with a power-play score. Soon after, Army took its third penalty of the game while on the power-play, as Evenson was forced into action late to send the game into overtime.
After losing its last two overtime contests, Army was able to put the game to rest just 34 seconds in after a moment of brilliance from Baez. Skating in from center-ice, Baez lost his footing but maintained possession of the puck and eventually got to his feet and fired in a backhanded shot from a tight angle and give Army the victory. It marked the fourth multi-goal game of the season for Baez, and second consecutive for the sophomore.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Joey Baez scored two goals, bringing his season-total to 14. He now ranks second in Atlantic Hockey in goals and with his assist tonight, logged a career-high three points in the contest.
- Justin Evenson made 33 stops in net to pick up the win for Army, Evenson has made 57 saves in two starts against the Purple Eagles this season which were both victories.
- Max Itagaki and Anthony Firriolo each registered their 20th assist of the season, as the duo remains tied for the conference lead in helpers.
- Brett Abdelnour potted his fourth goal of the season to tie the game in the third period.
- John Keranen registered his sixth multi-point game of the season with a pair of primary assists. Keranen won 14 of 25 draws in the faceoff circle.
- John Driscoll added an assist, giving him six points across his past five games.
- Army and Niagara each went 1-6 on the power-play, with three chances featuring lengthy 4-on-4 spells.
- Joey Baez now ranks fourth nationally among sophomores with 14 goals.
- Anthony Firriolo now ranks second nationally among seniors with 20 assists.
- Max Itagaki now ranks seventh nationally among freshman with 20 assists.
.@Coach_BRiley on the big overtime win tonight over Niagara with pivotal contributions from Baez and Evenson#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/BkdzZjfeke
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) February 4, 2023
Up Next
Army will return for game two at Niagara tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.
