OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Hockey opened their 2024-25 season this evening with an exhibition game against the King's College Monarchs. What turned out to be a very exciting and physical matchup between the two programs, started out slow with the scoreline remaining 0-0 for the much of the first period. After a few solid shots on net, the Lakers were able to breakthrough first late in the opening period. A 5-minute major against the Monarchs would award junior Connor Gatto 2 powerplay goals in the second period. A persistent effort throughout the second and third periods would secure a 5-1 victory over the Monarchs.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 5 (0-0-0, 0-0 SUNYAC)
King's College 1 (0-0-0, 0-0 UCHC)
Location: Deborah F. Stanley Arena | Oswego, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Oswego Men's hockey came out firing, gaining offensive possession almost immediately. Despite some quick shots from the Lakers, Kings College settled in on defense. A nice transition by the King's defenseman allowed them to gain some leeway on offense, testing first year goaltender Anthony Zolezzi in net. A penalty called against junior forward Brett Fudger would award the Monarchs a powerplay advantage at the 12:52 mark, but an aggressive Oswego penalty kill unit would keep King's College at bay. As the period got underway, the nature of the game turned physical, both teams delivering and receiving some big hits at both ends of the ice. A massive hit from King's College gave the Lakers a powerplay of their own with 2:58 remaining in the first period. An unsuccessful powerplay for Oswego would keep the scoreboard tied 0-0 heading into the 2nd period.
A strong faceoff win from junior forward Matthew McQuade would give the Lakers access to below the Monarchs' net. A deceptive passing play by the forwards would set McQuade up for a one-timer in front of opposing goalie Matt Bidini, notching the first goal for Oswego just 38 seconds into the second period. The following minutes of play would consist of a back-and-forth effort for both programs, but neither would add to the tally. A nasty mid-ice collision between team captains Matthew McQuade and Mauro D'Alessandro would stop play momentarily. As play resumed, the D'Alessandro would exit the game, and the Monarchs would sustain a 5-minute major penalty kill. Just seconds into their powerplay a strong shot from sophomore Travis Baker at the point would be tipped behind Bidini by Connor Gatto at the 11:00 mark. Just 2 minutes later junior Danny Colabufo would assist Gatto in the slot for a second powerplay goal at the 13:09 mark. A persistent offensive effort by the Lakers would send them into the third with a 3-0 lead.
A quick start by the Monarchs would catch Oswego off guard in the opening minutes of the 3rd period. A bad offensive change by the Lakers would award King's College an odd man rush on which Jayden Baldinelli would sneak one through the legs of Zolezzi at 16:34, improving the scoreline to 3-1. A boarding penalty called against first year Luca Munoz would put Oswego on the penalty-kill, but nothing would stop Connor Gatto from securing a hat trick and a short-handed fourth goal for the Lakers at the 11:41 mark. Less than a minute later, first year Colin Vassallo would extend the Oswego's lead to 5-1 as they returned to even-strength. A solid effort in the remaining minutes of play by Oswego would secure a dominant 5-1 victory over the Monarchs.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers will return to action next Saturday, October 26th, when they face off against the Nazareth Golden Flyers in their final exhibition game before the regular season competition. Puck drop will commence at 7:00 PM in Deborah F. Stanley Arena.
Written By: Matilda Pethrick
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