Army defeated Air Force 4-3 in an Atlantic Hockey America matchup on Friday at the Cadet Ice Arena. The Black Knights scored three goals in the second period, overcoming an early lead by the Falcons.
Air Force started strong when Sam Stitz drove to the net, and after his shot was saved, Dawson passed to Nick Sajevic for a one-timer from the left circle. Both Sajevic and Stitz reached their 30th point of the season with this play.
The second period saw four goals between both teams. Army tied it early with a power-play goal by Jack Ivey. Air Force responded when Oliver Genest batted in a high puck for his fourth goal of the season. Army equalized again after Billy Batten forced a turnover that led to Ben Ivey scoring on a breakaway. With less than a minute left in the period, Barron Woodring put Army ahead 3-2.
A late penalty on Air Force extended into the third period, allowing Army to score another power-play goal just under two minutes into the frame—Ben Ivey netted his second of the night with an assist from his twin brother Jack, giving Army a 4-2 advantage.
Air Force narrowed the gap when Will Dawson scored midway through the third period, assisted by Stitz and Chris Hedden. In the final minutes, Air Force gained a 6-on-4 advantage but could not convert despite firing four shots on goal; Army blocked three attempts to secure their win.
The Falcons registered a season-high 53 shots on goal—28 in the third period alone—while Army had 23 shots. On special teams, Army converted two out of five power plays and killed all eight of Air Force’s opportunities. J.J. Cataldo made 50 saves for Army; Dominik Wasik stopped 19 for Air Force.
“We came unglued in the second period,” said head coach Frank Serratore. “We were off the rails in the second period and structurally, it cost us. Give them credit, they capitalized on our breakdowns and Cataldo was the hero of the game. Their best players were their best players tonight. We just can’t go 0-for-8 on the power play and be a minus-2 on special teams. Their power-play got it done and ours didn’t, case closed.”
The series concludes Saturday at Cadet Ice Arena with Air Force’s final home regular-season game, during which three seniors will be honored before faceoff.
