GENEVA, NY - Less than 48 hours after one of the most exciting and fast-paced regular season games in Utica Hockey history, the Pioneers traveled into the belly of the beast, as they took a trip to The Cooler with their eyes on an upset of #1 nationally ranked Hobart. In a much more controlled game than Thursday's tilt, the Pioneers were able to stick around and challenge the hosts, but ultimately gave up two power-play goals to fall by a 2-1 final.

Penalties were the story in Saturday's showdown, as the two teams underwent eleven combined power plays. All three goals scored in the matchup were via the man advantage, with Utica going 1 for 6 and Hobart going 2 for 5. 

Netting the Pioneers' only goal of the game was Drake Morse (Grand Rapids, MI), who got on the scoring charts for the first time this season thanks to a slick redirect at the doorstep. Anthony Bax (Parkhill, Ontario) supplied the primary assist, as the sophomore showed some good moments in his spot along the right wing. Junior defensemen Aydin Parekh (Nobleton, ON) also picked up an assist on the play, finding Bax along the right side to help the team convert the power play opportunity.

The Pioneers did much more during this game to slow down the Hobart attack, allowing no even-strength goals, due in large part to their aggressiveness on defense. The team secured 23 blocks in the game, closing out lanes and not allowing the Statesmen much room to get off any dangerous shots. Tyler Procious (Pittsford, NY) led that effort for the orange and blue, putting a body on four pucks as he helped to keep Hobart out of the net at all costs.

Kyle Curtin (St. George, Ontario) also did well in net, holding strong in enemy territory during his second start against the top-ranked Statesmen. Curtin saved 30 shots in the game, helping to keep the Pioneers' upset bid alive. 

Utica also won the faceoff battle for the second straight time against their orange and purple foe, taking 36 of the 67 possible opportunities inside the circle. Andrew Della Rovere (Caledon East, Ontario) and John Gutt (Middletown, NJ) paved the way for this production, with the former winning nine of his 15 attempts and the latter securing seven of his nine opportunities.

Saturday was another strong showing for the Pioneers, who were neck and neck with the undisputed top dog in Division III. The orange and blue will keep this momentum up heading into UCHC play, with their gaze now shifting to a double against Brockport this coming weekend. Friday's game will take place in Brockport, while Saturday's matchup will be at the Adirondack Bank Center. Both games start at 7:00 PM