The hockey team (3-2) had another 1-1 weekend, defeating Oswego 8-6 at home Friday before falling to Syracuse 4-1 on Saturday. The Bonnies travel to Oswego tonight for a 7 p.m. game and host Canisius tomorrow at 4 p.m.
Junior forward Sean Perhacs said the Bonnies have always had an interesting rivalry with Oswego (4-2).
“Every game I’ve been in with them has been a hard, physical game,” Perhacs said. “It showed last Friday when we let our emotions get the best of us, and we ended up letting them back in the game. Luckily, we were able to hold on for a win.”
Perhacs returned to the ice after spending the spring of 2012 studying abroad in Costa Rica. He said it was extremely hard to be away from the team, especially because he knew the team’s potential.
“It was fun watching the team grow so quickly, but it was difficult to leave,” Perhacs said. “I supported them the best I could while I was gone, and I’m glad they gave it their all. It played a big role in the early success we’ve had this year.”
Even though Canisius is no longer in the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League (NECHL), the team’s subdivision of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the Bonnies are still looking for a win.
“Canisius is always a good team,” said junior captain Michael Iulianello. “Even though it is not a league game, we still want to get another win under our belt. You never want to go out and lose a game, no matter if it is a league matchup or not.”
Iulianello said the team has won the last three games against the Lakers, two last season, and one so far this season. Iulianello said this has really helped build some confidence in showing the Bonnies they can consistently beat teams.
Last Friday, the Bonnies came out strong against the Lakers with five different players recording goals.
In the first, senior forward Thomas Meka scored first for the Bonnies. The goal was assisted by freshman forward Andrew Chadwick and Iulianello.
The Lakers fired back with a goal on a power play, but Iulianello ended the first with a goal on a power play assisted by Perhacs and Meka.
Perhacs said Meka and Iulianello have played a big role in his success on the first line this season.
“They’re talented players, but we have a very deep team this year,” Perhacs said. “We have four full lines, and all have contributed. Even if it’s not by scoring goals, guys are still doing the little things right like back checking and finishing their hits.”
The second period proved to be successful as the Bonnies scored five of their eight goals. Meka scored two while Perhacssophomore forward Eric Hostetter and Chadwick scored one each. Senior goalie Josh Popsie recorded 46 saves on 52 shots.
Iulianello said the Lakers put up a great third period with three straight goals to bring the game back within one after he scored on an empty netter.
“Letting up in the third period is something that haunts us from previous years, and we have been better over the last season of not losing the third period battle,” Iulianello said. “So even with that minor let down, it was great to be able to come out with the win.”
Perhacs said starting the season off with a winning momentum has given the team a confidence boost.
“Our first two games were both one goal games and could have gone either way,” Perhacs said. “We have a history of not pulling out a win in those games, but we have been able to play a full 60 minutes this year.”
On Saturday, Syracuse scored first, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Bonnies lone goal against Syracuse (4-1) came shortly after thanks to sophomore right wing Rob Maust assisted by senior forward Adam Siebert and junior defensemen Mike Felter.
Popsie had 56 saves on 59 shots against the Orange. Freshman goalie Nick Gregorio relived Popsie, recording 11 saves on 12 shots.
Iulianello said the Bonnies always have trouble against ‘Cuse.
“I think they got the first knock at us and from there we were trying to play catch up,” Iulianello said. “They move the puck and communicate very well, so they were able to capitalize on our mistakes and penalties (2.5 minute power plays).”
Perhacs said the team’s defense is starting to come together into a solid force.
“Our defense is young, but it’s starting to gel and we have two solid goaltenders that we can count on,” Perhacs said. “They give us a chance in every game, which is their job. With those factors, as long as we stay healthy and continue to play 60 hard minutes, I definitely see us exceeding expectations.”
