Oswego, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Hockey returned home for their first home game of the season against the #10 ranked Elmira Soaring Eagles. Both teams would show their defensive prowess as they would stifle all offense and leaving it deadlocked at 0-0 throughout regulation and overtime. The Lakers Freshmen keeper Gavin McCarthy shined in his first start for the Lakers allowing nothing to hit the back of the net the entire game. The Lakers officially would tie the #10 Soaring eagles but would take the cake with an exhibition shoot out that would see the Lakers send home the Laker Faithful happy.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 0 (0-1-1, 0-0 SUNYAC)
Elmira 0 (0-0-1, 0-0 EMPIRE 8)
Location: Deborah F Stanley Arena, Oswego NY
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lakers returned home after their season opener versus Hobart for a match-up versus another ranked opponent in the 10th ranked Elmira Soaring Eagles. The Lakers were not only welcoming the Laker fans for the first time this regular season, but they were also taking part in their Teal game against Ovarian Cancer. With the Lakers crowd excited to welcome in the new season both teams looked to grab the momentum early and bring home their first wins of their respective seasons. The first period was a battle as both teams looked to grab the advantage. What really shined through during this performance as it did for most of yesterday's loss was the stellar defensive play from the Lakers.
During the first period the Lakers were unsuccessful on their first power play but saw a lot of action around Elmira's net. Elmira's goalkeeper would account for ten saves during the first period and Lakers Freshmen Gavin McCarthy would have 6. This would also be McCarthy's first start for the Lakers and he would prove to be a brick wall in the net all night long. Near the end of the first period the Lakers would get caught on a substitution and it would lead to the Soaring Eagles first power play of the night with six seconds to go in the first period.
Coming out into the second period both teams would look to continue building on strong starts and hoping to take control. However, the defensive showcase continued to deliver as neither team was willing to budge from their shut out. The second period would be riddled with more opportunities as both teams each had their own respective power plays but both were successful. The tie would continue to hold as they entered the third period.
The Third period was much of the Same as the goalkeepers for each side continued to shine as each would continue to add to their save tally. The Lakers and Soaring Eagles would each race up and down the ice attempting to break the defenses. With two and a half minutes to go in the game the Lakers were able to draw another power play that brought the Laker Faithful to attention as they hoped to steal a win as time expired. The Soaring Eagles defense stood strong as the Lakers were unsuccessful after sending countless opportunities to the keepers glove or to the back wall. The Lakers and Eagles looked to settle the score in overtime. But with only thirty seconds in regulation, the Lakers received a penalty of their own.
Opening overtime with the advantage the Soaring Eagles controlled the puck and were able to apply significant pressure to the Lakers defense. The story of the game continued to be told through the stout Laker D and goalkeeper as they refused to bend. Neither team would be able to crack the code as the Lakers' Gavin McCarthy would finish with 21 saves and Elmira's Brody Haynes with 35 each with a regular and overtime shutout
After being all tied throughout the contest both teams looked to finish the night with momentum, an exhibition penalty shoot out took place that saw the Lakers dominate with Adam Grenier netting the first shot, and Connor Gato the second. This being all the Lakers needed as McCarthy's stellar performance in net saw him stuff the Soaring Eagles two opportunities.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers will stay home and look for their first official win of the season as they take on Adrian College next Saturday 11/09 at 3:00pm for Military Appreciation Night!
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