The Oswego State men's ice hockey team needed a two-goal third period to skate to a 3-1 win over non-conference Utica Saturday night at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Paul Rodrigues registered three points on two goals and an assist to provide a lift for the Laker offense. Oswego State improved to 8-0-0 overall, while the Pioneers fell to 5-2-0 overall.

 

Following a scoreless first period, Utica got on the scoreboard when Steve Charest tallied an even strength goal 4:18 into the second with assists going to Evan Chlanda and Jon Gaffney. Just over three minutes later, Paul Rodrigues leveled the score with his fourth marker of the season on a rebound after a shot by Justin Fox. Stephen Mallaro was also credited with an assist on the power-play goal.

 

Midway through the third period, Rodrigues won a face-off in the Utica end and put a shot on goal that was stopped by Pioneer goalie Nick Therrien. Therrien left the rebound in front of the net, but Rodrigues followed his shot for his second goal of the game at 8:49. Five minutes later, Rodrigues won another face-off in the Oswego State offensive zone. He took a shot that was turned away, but Jon Whitelaw pounced on the rebound for his second goal of the season as the Lakers posted the win.

 

Oswego State goalie Paul Beckwith stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced to improve to 8-0-0 on the season. Nick Therrien ended the game with 17 saves in the losing effort.

 

The Lakers will travel to Morrisville to face the Mustangs next Saturday at 7 p.m.