Buffalo, NY (Jan. 6, 2023) - Alvernia University (5-7-1) dropped a 5-2 decision to Buffalo State College (8-6) on Friday night in the first of a two game series against the Bengals in non-conference men's ice hockey action at Buffalo State Ice Arena.

The Golden Wolves led 1-0 with six minutes to play in the opening period, but the Bengals scored four straight with a goal in the first period and three more in the second. Alvernia got one back in the third period, but could not tack on any more. The Bengals then scored an empty netter in the final seconds for the 5-2 win. 

Alvernia killed off two early penalties to keep the Bengals on the board, and, after seven shots on net by Alvernia, the Golden Wolves connected with just over six minutes to play in the opening frame. Kyle Patton and Isaac Chapman found Logan vande Meerakker and Meerakker fired on net to put Alvernia on the board, 1-0.

Alvernia's lead lasted about four minutes as the Bengals evened the game up at 1-1 on a shot that originated from behind the net. Alvernia had four quick shot opportunities to close out the period, but were unable to connect as the game went into the second period tied at 1-1.

Buffalo State took the lead just under three minutes into the period as the Bengals scored on a put-back goal off a rebounded shot. The Bengals then added to their lead six minutes later on a power play goal to make it a 3-1 game.

The Bengals were not done for the period as they made it 4-1 on a breakaway goal with two minutes to play in the second.

Alvernia pressured Buffalo State in the first half of the third period and broke through when Sawyer Senio tapped in the deflection off the shot of Matthew Davies to make it a 4-2 game with 11:05 to play.

Alvernia then struggled to maintain control of the puck in its offensive zone, getting off just three shots on goal the rest of the period. The Bengals capped off the game with an empty net goal to secure the 5-2 win.

Vande Meerakker and Senio finished with a goal each. Patton finished with an assist and led Alvernia in the faceoff circle with 15 faceoff wins. Brandon Daigle went the distance in net for Alvernia and finished with 20 saves.

Alvernia is back in action tomorrow. The Golden Wolves will take it outside for the final game of the series with Buffalo State. Puck drops at 4:00 PM at the Buffalo River Works for the Buffalo State Outdoor Classic.