The Geneseo Ice Knights opened the season on Nov. 1 against Morrisville State college in a two-game weekend. With its offensive depth and veteran goaltending, Geneseo was able to take both games. It appeared after Friday night’s game that the Geneseo power play will be a source of strength this season. In a game that featured 17 power-play situations for the two teams combined, Geneseo’s special teams play secured the team a 6-3 win.
First-year Matt Solomon, playing in his first game with the Ice Knights, opened the scoring on the power play. Seven minutes and 26 seconds into the first period, Solomon’s one-timer shot from the top of the right circle proved what head coach Chris Schultz already knew.
“He has a bomb of a shot, and he showed it on the first power play,” Schultz said. “His number one strength is his shot.”
Geneseo struck twice more in the first period. Junior Tyler Brickler converted on a turnover by Mustang defenseman senior Dan Morello. Four minutes later, senior Garry Childerhose found the net off a rebound from sophomore Brent Bisdee’s drive that gave the Ice Knights a two-goal lead they would never give up.
Brickler had another of his own in the second period, this one off yet another power play. In the third period, senior Zach Vit made it 5-2 and first-year Ryan Stanimir put one away with 19 seconds left in the game to round out the Knights’ goals.
Five different Ice Knights scored the six goals, a testament to how much talent is on this team. The second game, also against Morrisville, really harped on this notion as well.
Forward first-year Steven Collins, in only his second game for Geneseo, tallied three goals and one assist after going largely unnoticed the night before. Players who didn’t score the night prior had all the remaining three goals.
Three of the Ice Knights goals came off of power plays as well.
“I’m clicking with some of the guys on my line right now, and pucks are going in for us,” Collins said.
Other scorers in the game included senior Jonathan Sucese, sophomore David Ripple and Stanimir.
Sophomore Nick Horrigan was credited for 17 saves in his first career SUNYAC win.
Geneseo committed 22 penalties in the two games, and may not have sophomore Nate Brown on Friday Nov. 8 for the contest against SUNY Plattsburgh. The coaching staff pulled Brown out of the game after a penalty Saturday night. His status for Plattsburgh is unclear.
Schultz wasn’t displeased with his team discipline as a whole on the weekend, but rather with the officiating.
“[Referees] are really ruining the game. If you’re expecting a good game with good flow, you’re going to be very disappointed if they keep this up,” he said.
The Ice Knights visit Plattsburgh on Friday Nov. 8 and SUNY Potsdam on Saturday Nov. 9. Both games begin at 7 p.m.