The University at Buffalo Men's Ice Hockey team is off to a very strong start. They are 9-1, and seem to be coasting through some of their games. This weekend didn't seem to be too troubling for them either. The Bulls had two very important NECHL games and completely handled things.
Buffalo 6 RIT 1
UB came out friday night against their old ECHL rival, the Rochester Institute of Technology. The Bulls got two quick goals from Chris Covel and Captain Matt Ganci in the middle of the first to take a 2-0 lead. They never looked back. Brendan Robinson picked up a rebound in front on the powerplay to put the Bulls up 3-0, but the Bulls would surrender a rebound goal in the fleeting moments to end the period only up 3-1. Michael Musialowski shut the door in the final 2 periods and ended the game with 32 saves. During that time Tim Benner took care of securing the lead. His natural hat trick between the 2nd and 3rd periods ended any chance of an RIT comeback, and the Bulls would be able to look forward to a battle with the Bonnies on Saturday. Over 200 students came out for the event.
Buffalo 9 St. Bonaventure 1
The Bulls came into this game with some confidence from their 6-1 win the night before and it would look to be more of the same from the get-go. Benner got the scoring started on the first shift of the game. But the Bonnies would strike back after a poor bouncing shot found its way into the corner of the net. The Bulls would respond with Benner finding the net again to put the Bulls up 2-1 and they were off and running. Mike Schalberg would pick up his first goal of the season, leaving Kevin Mahoney and Shane Hurley as the only Bulls forwards yet to record a goal. Coming off of a suspension, Benny "Nitro" Lantz would come alive. After a nice pass Lantz would finish off a breakaway goal to push the lead even further, and his 2nd period powerplay goal was nothing less than a perfect shot. Brendan Robinson scored a late goal against a deflated Bonnies to add to his 3 assists in a four point night. Freshman Willie Sanchez had a 4 point night as well, scoring goals while the game was well in hand. Koutsomitis had the other Bulls goal, and Matt Bradley picked up the win for the Bulls who would move to 3-0 in the NECHL.
The Bulls (9-1, 3-0) have two big games this weekend against NECHL opponents. Friday night they play Ithaca (3-5, 0-3) at 7:30 at the Northtowns Center. The following night they will face Cornell (1-6, 1-2), also at 7:30. The Bulls look to pull to 5-0 in their new league while gearing up for a big weekend away in Syracuse. Games will be broadcasted on WRUB, and admission to games is free for UB students with your UB card.
For more Bulls Hockey check out: ubicehockey.com
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