OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Hockey returned to the Deb this evening for the long-awaited (rescheduled) matchup against the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons. With a first-place playoff spot hanging in balance, both teams meant business from the puck drop. The Red Dragons wasted no time, opening the scoreline just 0:36 seconds into the first period. Now playing catch-up, Oswego settled into their rhythm quickly, fending off an elusive Cortland powerplay and putting shots on net. Both programs would once again take turns on the power play in the second period, but neither would be successful, keeping Cortland's mere 1-0 lead alive heading into the 3rd frame. The third period would be defined by back-to-back goals in the final minutes, but for the Lakers it would be a little too little too late, as they would fall 2-1, to SUNY Cortland, as the buzzer sounded.  

THE BASICS 
Final Score: 

Oswego 1 (14-8-3, 9-4-1 SUNYAC) 

Cortland 2 (19-6-1, 12-2-0 SUNYAC) 

Location: Deborah F. Stanley Ice Arena | Oswego, N.Y. 

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

After both teams securing massive conference wins last night, the Lakers and Red Dragons came out excited to continue their winning momentum. Cortland wasted no time, opening scoring with a goal just 0:36 seconds into play. As the Lakers settled into the fast pace set by the Dragons, they began to gain some rhythm. A tripping penalty charged to Cortland defenseman, Evan Beaudry, would award Oswego the first power play of the game. The Lakers would have a few solid chances generated by Brandon Cohen and Cameron Symons, but all would be rejected. Play would return to even strength, but not for long as the Red Dragons would have an unsuccessful powerplay of their own, a couple minutes later. Despite continuing to play catch-up in the remaining minutes of the first period, the Lakers were unable to put one in, having to accept the 1-0 deficit heading into the second.  

Unsatisfied with their scoreless effort in the 1st period, the Lakers turned up the offensive pressure in the beginning minutes of the second. A tripping penalty called against Cortland forward Colby Seitz would give Oswego their second advantage of the game at 7:55. A connected penalty kill effort by the Dragons would shut the Lakers down, making it hard for them to maintain consistent possession. Despite their failed power play attempt, Oswego stayed persistent, tilting the ice in their favor in the remaining minutes, battering opposing net minder Ronan Mobley with a series of shots. One of which squeaked through the grips of Mobley and over the goal line but would be called off by the officials as it crossed after the quick whistle. The 1-0 scoreline would withstand another scoreless 20 minutes, allowing Cortland to enter the final frame with a mere lead.  

A faceoff violation but the Dragons' centerman, Justin Legault, would award the Lakers an immediate advantage to start the third period. A series of shots and passing plays would just fall short, returning to even strength still down 1-0. In the following minutes, play would turn into a back-and-forth battle with both benches trading turns on offense. A scoreless first 15 minutes would finally be remedied by Red Dragon, Nathan Garnier, at the 15:28 mark of the third period. Undeterred by Cortland's second tally, Oswego junior Connor Gatto returned a goal of his own just over a minute and a half later, improving the scoreline to 2-1 at 17:06. Head Coach Ed Gosek would call a time out with just more than a minute left to play, giving his guys a breather and a plan of attack. Despite the last-minute offensive surge by the Lakers, it was a little too little too late, falling 2-1 to the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons.  

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Men's Hockey will have a week to prepare before returning to action in the semi-final round of the SUNYAC tournament. After finishing second in the conference, the Lakers earned home ice advantage, hosting the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY Potsdam Bears this Wednesday, February 26th. Go Lakers!   

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

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