Box Score

POTSDAM, N.Y. – The American International men's ice hockey team dropped a 5-3 non-conference contest at Clarkson University on Friday night in the first game of the weekend series. The Golden Knights improve to 3-1-1, while the Yellow Jackets drop to 0-4-0 so far this season.

Clarkson struck first just 4:10 into the first period when sophomore forward Allan McPherson (Kinburn, Ont.) found the back of the net. Senior forward Jake Morley (Ogdensburg, N.Y.) and classmate Corey Tamblyn (Bobcaygeon, Ont.) earned the assists on McPherson's goal.

The Golden Knights added another goal in the second period to hold a 2-0 lead going into the third period. AIC finally got on the board just 1:08 into the third period when sophomore forward Jon Puskar (Grosse Ile, Mich.) buried a shot past senior goaltender Paul Karpowich (Thunder Bay, Ont.). Junior forward Steve Mele (Bronx, N.Y.) recorded the assist.

Mele tied the game on a powerplay goal at 8:16 when in the third off a pass from senior forward Michael Penny (Calgary, Alb.) and Jon Puskar.

Clarkson scored a powerplay goal at 11:33 in the third to take the lead. The Golden Knight's did not look back from there. Gradate forward Nick Tremblay (Candiac, QUE ) and Tamblyn added the last two goals of the contest to give Clarkson a 5-2 victory over the yellow Jackets.

Karpowich stopped made 26 saves in net to earn the win, while sophomore goalie Ryan Kerpan (Saskatoon, Sask.) stopped 22 in the loss.

AIC held a one shot advantage (28-27) against the Golden Knights.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow night for a 7:30 p.m. contest to finish the weekend series.