Bentley University defeated the Air Force Falcons 5-1 in an Atlantic Hockey America matchup on Friday, January 9, at the Cadet Ice Arena. Bentley improved its record to 11-6-2 overall and 10-1-2 in conference play with the win.
Bentley took control early, scoring twice within a span of three and a half minutes in the first period. Garrett Horsager opened the scoring at 6:32 with a wrap-around goal that deflected off Air Force goalie Dominik Wasik. Less than four minutes later, Jake Black set up Michael Mesic for a back-door goal, giving Bentley a 2-0 lead by 9:50.
Despite being outshot 18-10 in the second period, Bentley extended its lead when Peter Kramer found Chase Davis alone in front of the net. Davis scored his fourth goal of the season at 7:14 to make it 3-0.
Air Force responded early in the third period as Jake Peterson scored his fourth goal of the year at 3:35, assisted by Will Staring and Sam Stitz. However, Bentley quickly answered with two power-play goals—Stephen Castagna scored at 4:41 and Jake Black added another at 7:49—to secure their victory.
The Falcons outshot Bentley by a margin of 39-27 but were unable to capitalize on their power plays, going scoreless on four opportunities while Bentley converted two out of three chances. Air Force goaltender Dominik Wasik made 22 saves; Bentley’s freshman Lukas Swedin stopped 38 shots.
Head coach Frank Serratore commented after the game: “Bentley got to their game in a quick hurry and we didn’t,” Serratore said. “They are a hard team to out-work and they are committed to their game. They were a well-oiled machine and they blocked a ton of shots in the game. They are good and there is a reason they are in first place. We need to get back to basics and we have to make some adjustments on our penalty kill. We need to be harder to play against tomorrow, get to our game sooner, and we will.”
The series between Air Force and Bentley will conclude Saturday, January 10, at Cadet Ice Arena.
