The Ice Knights finished a season that began with high hopes on Feb. 22, losing to Fredonia 4-1 in the first round of the SUNYAC playoffs.
Geneseo defeated Morrisville on Feb. 17, 3-2, in their season finale in order to host a playoff game. Freshman Justin Scharfe, sophomore Carson Schell and junior Kaz Iwamoto each scored for the Ice Knights. Senior Cory Gershon made 24 saves in goal for the win.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game. Our guys gutted out a nice win," head coach Chris Schultz said. Schultz added after the game that the team was really looking forward to hosting a SUNYAC playoff game.
Geneseo got off to a slow start in the playoff game against Fredonia, as the Blue Devils outshot Geneseo 12-6 in the first period and controlled possession time.
"They came out in the first period not to lose," said Schultz. "We didn't even show up in our own rink after getting a break with home ice."
Fredonia scored on the power play late in the first period to take a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. Gershon made several big saves in the first, which helped keep Geneseo close early on. Gershon finished the game with 26 saves.
"He made some big saves that they could have opened up a big lead on us early on," Schultz said of Gershon.
Geneseo tied the game in the second period, as senior David Arduin scored on a rebound. Juniors Ryan Bulach and Colin de Jersey assisted on the play. Geneseo was able to create some pressure later in the second, but were unable to take the lead.
Geneseo went on a five-minute power play in the closing seconds of the second, but were unable to convert in the third and lost momentum for the remainder of the game.
"All the momentum changed after that five-minute period," said Schultz.
Fredonia blocked countless Geneseo shots, especially on the power play, causing Geneseo to finish 0-4 with a man advantage during the game.
"They did a really good job of staying in the lane and not letting that lane open up," said Schultz. "We knew coming in to it, especially their penalty kill was going to pack it in and block those shots. I guess we didn't realize how good they were at doing it."
Fredonia took the lead with two goals, just 20 seconds apart during the middle of the third. Geneseo put on the pressure the rest of the game but were unable to find the back of the net.