Box Score

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American International College men's ice hockey team earned a 7-4 victory in the home-opener against Sacred Heart University on Friday night. The Yellow Jackets improved to 1-5-0 overall and 1-1-0 in Atlantic hockey, while the Pioneers dropped to 0-6-0 overall and 0-2-0 in AHA play.

AIC started the contest strong scoring two goals in less than seven minutes. Freshman forward Nathan Sliwinski (Castle Rock, Colo.) found the back of the net at 1:55 into the contest off a pass from freshman forward Matt Cassidy (London, Ont.). Junior forward Nick Grasso (Smithtown, N.Y.) scored an unassisted goal at 6:10 to give the Yellow Jackets a 2-0 lead.

Sophomore forward Tye Lewis (Vancouver, B.C.) put up a goal for Sacred Heart with 4:55 left in the first period to close the gap to 2-1.

Freshman forward Jason Popek (Hamilton, Ont.) scored on the power play at 11:32 and once again even strength at 15:48 to earn a 4-1 lead. In the final minute of the second period, freshman forward Brandon Fagerheim (Calgary, Alb.) and junior forward Adam Pleskach (Beausejour, Man.) scored short-handed goals eight seconds apart to open up a 6-1 lead. The two goals in 8 seconds tie AIC for the 10th fastest goals in NCAA history.

The Pioneers attempted a comeback scoring the next three goals, freshman forward Brian Sheehan (St. Louis, Mo.) found the back of the net twice, while senior forward Matt Gingera (Winnipeg, Man.) tallied one goal to make it a 6-4 contest.

Senior forward Michael Penny (Calgary, Alb.) ended the game by scoring an open net goal at 18:27 in the third period for a 7-4 final in favor of the Yellow Jackets.

Junior goaltender Ben Meisner (Halifax, N.S.)recorded 31 saves in net for the win, while freshman goalie Andrew Bodnarchuk (Saskatoon, Sask.) made 26 saves in 39 minutes to earn the loss, while junior goalie Steven Legatto (Kelowna, B.C.) made 15 saves in 20 minutes.

The Yellow Jackets outshot Sacred Heart 48-35, with the first period being even (14-14).

AIC will travel to Schenectady, N.Y. to take on the Dutchmen of Union College tomorrow night October 29th for a 7 p.m. non-conference contest.