On an electrifying Saturday night, the Cortland men’s hockey team sent shockwaves through their enthusiastic fan base with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Potsdam.
The Red Dragons, now boasting an impressive 14-8-2 overall record (9-5-1 SUNYAC), showcased their undeniable prowess on the ice, leaving the Bears with a 6-16-1 record (3-11 SUNYAC). This intense battle not only added another commendable win to Cortland’s impressive season but also set the stage for their upcoming postseason journey.
With one more crucial league game looming against Oswego on Friday, Cortland has solidified its position as the fourth seed for the imminent SUNYAC postseason tournament. The prospect of hosting the yet-to-be-determined fifth seed on February 21 adds an extra layer of anticipation, promising an exhilarating start to the postseason.
Reflecting on the spirited game, Anthony Bernardo from Cortland shared, “This game had everyone on their feet, and we felt the energy from our amazing crowd. Our fans have such an impact on our games. Hearing the chants and just having the atmosphere we have in Alumni Arena is fantastic. We’re definitely looking forward to our upcoming game next Friday; it’s going to be a good one.”
The scoring drama unfolded primarily in the second period, with Nate Berke of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres making a significant impact at the 3:57 mark, propelling Cortland to a 1-0 lead. Stephen Kyrkostas added to the excitement by extending the lead to 2-0. However, the true anticipation built up for the final period.
Potsdam initiated a spirited comeback at the beginning of the third period, as Ryan Mahlmeister found the back of the net just 40 seconds in, narrowing the score to 2-1. Max Klanow heightened the intensity by leveling the score at 2-2 with 10:43 remaining. Nevertheless, Cortland swiftly regrouped, and D.J. Walsh, with an expertly executed assist from Colin Anna, scored a decisive goal just 27 seconds later, reclaiming the lead at 3-2. Despite Potsdam’s persistent power play opportunities in the third period, Cortland’s exceptional goaltender, Jack Riedell, and the penalty kill team thwarted their attempts with remarkable skill and coordination.
Berke, Kyrkostas, and Walsh emerged as the standout goal scorers for Cortland, while Domenic Settimo, Andrew Clouden, and Colin Anna contributed crucial assists, showcasing the team’s collaborative effort. Goalie Jack Riedell further underscored his remarkable skills by making an impressive 29 saves out of 31 shots, solidifying Cortland’s defensive prowess.
For Potsdam, Klanow and Mahlmeister secured the crucial goals, with Jack Loran, Michael Campbell, and Mathieu Parent providing the crucial assists. Potsdam’s goalie, Lenny Perno, made an admirable 31 saves out of 34 shots, displaying commendable resilience in the face of Cortland’s offensive onslaught.
The final score of 3-2 sparked jubilant celebrations among the Red Dragons and their fervent fans. The closely contested game, evident in the detailed statistics, not only highlighted the competitive spirit on the ice but also set the stage for both teams’ reflections. As Cortland fans eagerly anticipate the postseason, the hope for continued success and memorable moments remains at an all-time high.
The Red Dragons are poised to embark on a thrilling playoff journey, carrying the momentum from this spectacular victory into the pursuit of further glory. The road ahead promises more excitement, and the team is ready to seize the opportunity and etch their name in the annals of hockey greatness.