Szary Notches Shutout as Hockey Defeats Holy Cross 3-0

Friday, January 12

West Point, NY

7:00 PM

Army West Point

6-14-1, 4-9-1

Holy Cross

10-10-4, 5-8-3

Holy Cross

Army West Point

Szary Notches Shutout as Hockey Defeats Holy Cross 3-0

January 12, 2024 | Hockey

Box Score

WEST POINT, NY - Army West Point hockey (6-14-1, 4-9-1 AHA) recorded its first shutout of the season in a 3-0 victory over Holy Cross (10-10-4, 5-8-3 AHA) in game of a two-game set at Tate Rink this weekend.

Evan Szary made 24 saves to notch his first career shutout while Joey Baez paced the offense with a goal and assist. It marked Army's second win two tries over the Crusaders this season.

The teams battled to a scoreless through the opening period, with Army holding an advantage in shots on goal 11-6 as Thomas Gale was up to the task early in net for the road side. Both teams took a pair of penalties in that opening twenty minutes, as the penalty box was a carousel throughout the night for the Crusaders who took nine penalties in total which led to seven Army power-plays.

Army struck first on its third power-play of the contest less than three minutes into the second period, as Max Itagaki fed Baez who deposited his 18th career power-play score and tenth goal altogether this season. Szary stood tall throughout the period as he faced 12 of the 24 shots in the second frame. Army was able to double its advantage at even strength at te 14:21 mark, with Baez this time playing the provider as he fed Barron Woodring with a centering pass that the plebe tucked home for his fourth goal in his last five games. Army went into the third period with a lead for the sixth time this season maintaining the 2-0 advantage.

Army quickly got some more breathing room in the first two minutes through Vincent Salice who deposited his second career goal off a good feed from Owen Nolan after entering the offensive zone. Army played well with the three-goal lead, firing 16 shots on Gale in total in the final frame while the Crusaders continued to take penalties to limit any chance of a comeback. Szary made his 24th and final in the closing minute as Army ended the game on its seventh and final power-play.

The Black Knights outshot the Crusaders 37-24 in total while Nik Hong paced the centers with 13 faceoff wins on 20 draws. Army will look to complete its first weekend sweep of the season tomorrow with puck drop at 4:00 p.m. on the YES Network.