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 Senior defenseman Steve Kovalchik had a career-high three assists against Niagara. |
Nov. 4, 2005
Niagara University, N.Y. - The first victory of the season eluded the Wayne State University men's hockey team (0-5-0 overall, 0-1-0 CHA) Friday night at Niagara's (4-3-0, 1-0-0 CHA) Dwyer Arena as the host Purple Eagles recorded a 5-4 overtime win over the Warriors in the College Hockey America opener for both squads.
WSU started strong as junior forward Nate Higgins (Calgary, Alb./Green Bay Gamblers) saw an open lane from the top of the left face-off circle and put the power-play shot into the top right corner for a 1-0 lead just 5:29 into the contest. Higgins' first of the season was assisted by senior defenseman Steve Kovalchik (Riverview, Mich./Omaha Lancers) and sophomore center Mike Forgie (Scarborough, Ont./Stouffville Spirit).
The Purple Eagles tied the game, the first of four ties on the evening, at the 8:10 mark on an even-strength goal by Vince Rocco.
The Warriors regained the advantage with 6:13 remaining in the opening stanza as Forgie scored a power-play goal from junior left wing Jason Bloomingburg (Canton, Mich./Texas Tornado) and Kovalchik. Forgie grabbed a loose puck behind the net and stuffed it past NU goaltender Jeff Van Nynatten.
The hosts controlled the second period outshooting WSU 12-5 and grabbing a 3-2 advantage after 40 minutes by netting two second period goals.
Ted Cook scored an even-strength goal just 35 seconds into the frame and Matt Caruana added a short-handed marker at the 2:50 mark. Cook's goal came just five seconds after a WSU penalty had expired.
Wayne State tied the game at three as junior right wing Mark Nebus (South Lyon, Mich./Texas Tornado) scored at the 5:21 mark of the third period off an assist from junior blueliner Dan Iliakis (Scarborough, Ont./Georgetown Raiders).
The Purple Eagles took their second lead of the game at the 13:44 mark on a goal by Sean Bentivoglio.
Once again the Warriors battled back to tie the game as WSU netminder Matt Kelly (Hull, Mass./Topeka Scarecrows) was pulled in favor of an extra attacker. Sophomore forward Adam Krug (Livonia, Mich./Sioux City Musketeers) scored his first of the season with just 39 seconds remaining in regulation. Kovalchik earned his third assist of the contest, while Higgins recorded his second point of the night.
Kovalchik set personal marks for points and assists in a game. His last multiple-point affair was Nov. 23, 2004, against Bemidji State with two points on a goal and an assist.
Niagara's Les Reaney netted the game-winner just 1:12 into the extra session with a rebound goal off a shot by Jason Williamson.
Kelly finished with 30 saves in the Wayne State net, while Van Nynatten was credited with 30 stops as well.
WSU went two-for-six on the power play and stopped all seven Niagara man-advantage opportunities.
The two teams conclude the weekend series with a 7 p.m. face-off on Saturday at NU's Dwyer Arena.
