NASHUA, N.H. - The Rivier University men's ice hockey team fell, 11-3, against non-conference opponent, Albertus Magnus, Friday night at Conway Arena.
With the result, the Raiders dropped to 0-4-0 (0-0-0 MASCAC), while the Falcons improved to 2-1-0 (0-0-0 UCHC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Josh Kirton received the start in net for the Raiders.
- Rivier opened the period with several early defensive stops from Kirton, who turned aside three consecutive shots in the opening two minutes.
- The Raiders earned an early power-play opportunity following an Albertus interference penalty at 2:06.
- Anthony Dalessio and Mason Rudrud each tested the Falcons to add offensive pressure.
- Albertus took a 1-0 lead at 4:30 with an even-strength goal.
- Rivier continued to generate chances, with Bradyn MacLean, Wesley Haynes and Rudrud each putting pressure on the Falcons' defense.
- The Raiders earned another power-play opportunity at 7:48, recording back-to-back shots from Rudrud at 9:20 and 9:31.
- Rivier was assessed multiple penalties at 11:40, including a five-minute facemask penalty, as the teams traded roughing penalties.
- Kirton made several saves during the ensuing Albertus power-play opportunities, but the Falcons added three goals at 14:05, 14:35 and 17:50 to take a 4-0 lead.
- Rivier closed the period with another power-play opportunity at 18:33, highlighted by a shot on goal from Brady Bomal and a late attempt from Damon Kiyawasew.
- Rivier got on the scoreboard at 9:12 of the second period when Trevor Riggs found the back of the net for his first-collegiate goal, unassisted, to cut the deficit to 4-1.
- Albertus Magnus extended its lead to 5-1 at 13:19 with a power-play goal.
- The Falcons added another power-play goal at 17:03 to push their advantage to 6-1.
- Rivier continued to battle in the closing minutes of the second, but were unable to convert
- Albertus Magnus capped the period with an even-strength goal at 19:31, taking a 7-1 lead into the second intermission.
- Rivier came out strong to start the third period, generating several early scoring opportunities.
- First-year goaltender Sumner Wood took over in net to start the third period.
- The Raiders cut into the deficit at 4:55 when Gus Cantwell scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Rudrud and Riggs to make it 7-2.
- The Falcons answered at 10:27 with an even-strength goal to extend their lead to 8-2.
- Rivier earned a power-play opportunity at 11:49 but the Raiders were unable to capitalize.
- The Raiders found the back of the net again at 15:34 when Riggs scored his second goal of the game on the power play, assisted by Brayden Deschamps, bringing the score to 8-3.
- Albertus Magnus responded with an even-strength goal at 16:09 before adding a power-play goal at 17:33 to make it 10-3.
- The Falcons added one final goal at 19:22 to secure an 11-3 victory.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Riggs led the Raiders offensively with four shots on goal and four total shots, recording two goals and an assist.
- Rivier recorded 21 shots and added seven blocked shots defensively.
- Kirton finished with 27 saves, while Wood added 10 saves in relief.
- Rivier went 1-for-6 on the power play.
- The Raiders won 29 of 68 faceoffs for a 42.6% faceoff percentage.
UP NEXT
Rivier men's ice hockey will return to action, Saturday, Nov. 14, as they travel to Fitchburg, Mass. to take on the Falcons of Fitchburg St. (1-1-0, 0-0-0 MASCAC) in their Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference opener. Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. at the Wallace Civic Center.
