The Geneseo Ice Knights were finally back in action last weekend, playing in front of a packed Ira S. Wilson Ice Arena for the first time in 2020. Geneseo had played two home games over the winter break, but despite outscoring their opponents 18-4 in those two games, it was not the same for the players without their enthusiastic and supportive classmates.
Junior forward Carson Kelley revealed the importance of playing in front of a packed house. “I hope the fans realize just how much of an impact they make. There is no better feeling than walking out onto the ice surrounded by all that love and support. We greatly appreciate having the best fans in Division III hockey,” he said.
That “love and support” certainly had a huge effect on Kelley, and it was not just support from the fans. His family was able to make it to the game on Friday Jan. 24 against SUNY Potsdam all the way from Kelley’s home state of California. His girlfriend from Texas was able to make the trip as well.
Kelley and the Knights took on a Potsdam team that they had tied in the first game of the regular season. This time, Kelley made sure there would be a different result. He scored the game’s first goal halfway through the first period but was not finished yet.
In the second period, sophomore forward Brendan Miller gave the Knights a 2-0 lead by tapping in a loose puck in front of the net. However, Potsdam scored twice to tie the game up at 2-2 before the period ended.
The third period was all about Kelley as he calmly gave the Knights a 3-2 lead with 5:05 left to play, securing his first multi-goal game. As a result, Potsdam pulled their goalie with just under two minutes remaining in the game and, naturally, Kelley was out on the ice in such a high-pressure situation. With an empty net, he had a chance to put the game away with his third goal of the game.
Kelley took the time to walk through his hat trick. He explained, “I can't say the thought of an empty netter didn't cross my mind, but a lot had to be done before that was a possibility. We have a defense-first mentality… I was fortunate to pick up the puck with a chance for the hat trick thanks to a great battle by [senior forward] Tyson Empey. I didn't even get a chance to take a look at the net and just threw the puck where I thought the net might be.”
Kelley won the game and secured his first career hat trick without even looking at his target from center ice. Kelley was not wrong when he said, “it certainly helped seeing [my family] in the crowd as well as throughout the game.” The 4-2 win helped Geneseo overtake SUNY Oswego for first place in the SUNYAC with a conference record of 6-1-1.
The next evening, on Saturday Jan. 25, Geneseo took on SUNY Plattsburgh with a chance to extend their conference lead. They were able to extend their lead, but not exactly in the most ideal fashion. Senior forward Conlan Keenan and senior forward Andrew Romano both scored goals, but it was not enough as the two teams played to a 2-2 tie. Geneseo earned a point in the tie, however, and are still in first place with a 6-1-2 conference record.
Geneseo will take on SUNY Morrisville on the road on Friday Jan. 31 and Saturday Feb. 1.