UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's ice hockey team was tested early, but lived up to expectations in the final 40 minutes to score a preseason victory. Facing an early 2-0 deficit, the Pioneers overhauled that differential with an eight goal surge to dispose of visiting Potsdam by an 8-2 score at the Adirondack Bank Center.
The Pioneers decisively out-shot the visitors 57-14 over the course of the contest. The power play unit exploded for six goals on the night and piled up sixteen shots on goal with the man advantage.
Dante Zapata (Huntington Beach, CA/Austin Bruins (NAHL)) was credited with a hat trick for the Pioneers to lead the way, and the Utica captain also added an assist. Lucas Hermann and Jakob Breault (Acton Vale, QC/Alaska-Fairbanks (NCAA DI)) each scored their first goals in a Utica Uniform, while Brandon Osmundson (Virginia Beach, VA/Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL)), Regen Cavanagh (Chesapeake, VA/Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)), and Justin Allen (Hilton, NY/Rochester Monarchs (NCDC)) each added a goal apiece.
Bryan Landsberger (Montreal, Quebec/Nepean Raiders (CCHL)) and Avery Sturtz (Marion, IA / Maine Nordiques (NAHL)) combined for twelve saves in the win.
The Pioneers will open the regular season on Friday, October 28th at top-ranked Adrian College. The regular season home opener is scheduled for November 12th against Chatham University.
