UTICA, N.Y. - The SUNY Geneseo men's ice hockey team couldn't pull out the comeback win on Saturday night in Utica for the UCHC title, falling 4-1. Trailing 1-0 for over half the game, the Knights tied the score at 1-1 with 7:30 to go in the game. Unfortunately, Geneseo couldn't find a way to pull ahead in the closing minutes, and ultimately fell 4-1 to end their season with an overall record of 18-8-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Starting goaltender Jacob Torgner and the Knights defense withstood a barrage of shots early in the first period, with Torgner making a total of 16 saves. However, the Pioneers offense was finally able to break through the stout defensive effort and get on the scoreboard first with four minutes left in the opening period.
• Geneseo came out strong in the second period, starting to put more pressure on the Utica defense. Both goaltenders stood tall in the second period though, and kept the score at 1-0 going to the final 20 minutes.
• The Knights pressure finally paid off in the third period, with Filip Wiberg putting the puck into the back of the net off of assists from Dakota Zarudny and Payne Gatewood. The Knights had tied the game at 1-1 with less than eight minutes to play, but they couldn't hold off the Pioneers for long as the hosts went back in the lead two minutes later.
• Geneseo pressed to find the equalizing goal down the stretch, but couldn't find a way to break through the Pioneers defense, who ended up being able to capitalize on an empty net in the final minute to secure the win.

QUICK FACTS:

• Torgner posted an impressive 36 saves in goal for the game, only allowing two shots to get past him.
• Wiberg netted his 11th goal of the season, while Zarudny picked up his 15th assist and Gatewood 11th.
• The Knights have recorded 18 or more wins in eight-straight seasons now, and have reached the UCHC title game both years they have been in the league, winning at Utica a season ago.