REISTERSTOWN, Md. – The Stevenson University men's ice hockey team battled back from a two-goal deficit to force overtime against Wilkes University on Saturday evening at Reisterstown Sportsplex. Despite the comeback effort, the Mustangs fell in a shootout following a 2-2 tie in their home opener.
With the result, Stevenson moves to 3-0-1 overall and 1-0-1 in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) play.
Wilkes opened the scoring at the 9:38 mark of the first period when they capitalized on a power-play opportunity, assisted by two Colonels. Despite trailing 1-0 after the opening frame, the Mustangs controlled much of the offensive pressure, outshooting the Colonels 14-8.
Wilkes extended their advantage to 2-0 at the 14:41 mark of the second period when they found the back of the net on the power play off an assist.
Stevenson wasted little time responding, cutting the deficit in half just 25 seconds later. Kasper Pohjala netted his second goal of the season at the 15:06 mark, with Alexander Duhon and Greg Spitznagel collecting assists. The Mustangs carried the momentum into the second intermission, trailing 2-1.
The Mustangs continued to battle in the third period, overcoming a five-minute penalty kill early in the frame to keep the contest within reach. At the 9:19 mark, Jack Day delivered the equalizer, recording his second goal of the season off assists from Aiden Lindley and Brandon Hemmer to knot the contest at 2-2.
Both teams generated scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of regulation, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the contest into overtime.
Stevenson maintained its offensive pressure in the extra frame, outshooting Wilkes 2-1. Matt Yeager registered both shots on goal for the Mustangs, but Colonels goaltender turned aside each opportunity to force a shootout.
Wilkes ultimately secured the shootout victory after they converted their attempts, while Stevenson was unable to capitalize.
Between the pipes, Louis Finnegan recorded 27 saves for the Mustangs.
Stevenson held a 36-29 advantage in shots on goal and won 35 of 68 faceoffs. Pohjala led the Mustangs with 14 faceoff victories, while Yeager paced the offensive effort with a team-high six shots on goal.
The Mustangs return to action next Friday when they take on King's College at Reisterstown Sportsplex. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
