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February 29, 2008

Here they come again

By JOHN CORYER

PLATTSBURGH -- The Plattsburgh State men's hockey team has already survived two battles with rival Oswego State this season.

Another battle awaits tonight, with the stakes even higher.

The defending Division III national champion Lakers battle the Cardinals for the State University of New York Athletic Conference Tournament championship at 7 p.m. at the Stafford Ice Arena.

Plattsburgh State earned the top seed and home ice by compiling a 14-2 mark during the SUNYAC regular season, while Oswego finished close behind at 13-2-1.

The Cardinals skated to a 4-2 decision in Oswego on Nov. 2 and then a 3-2 overtime win in Plattsburgh on Jan. 25.

Those represent two of only five losses thus far on the season for the Lakers.

"If you look at the two games we played against them, both could have gone either way," said Plattsburgh State head coach Bob Emery.

"I can tell you one thing -- the fans are going to get their money's worth in this game. Defense wins championships, but both teams are going to try to play offense and come right at each other.

"This is what college hockey is all about. We've worked hard to get where we are, being home for the game. We're happy, but not satisfied."

The Lakers, who are 18-5-1 overall, have won 11 of their last 12 games, with the lone loss being to the Cardinals. During that stretch, Oswego has allowed two goals or less in nine of those contests.

"They are the defending national champions," Emery said. "They were the pre-season pick this year to win it all again and they were the pre-season pick to win the SUNYAC. They have been an easy team for their opponents to get up for because of their success.

"They have some great forwards and a lot of talent on their team."

Last Saturday, four players scored goals and Oswego held a 44-20 shot advantage in a 4-1 victory over Fredonia in the SUNYAC Tournament semifinals.

The Lakers present 14 skaters with 10 or more points on the season and have outscored their opponents by a 110-53 margin.

Leading the team in scoring are three junior forwards -- Ryan Ellis (17-20-37), Peter Magagna (12-19-31) and Brendan McLaughlin (11-16-27).

Senior Ryan Scott has a 15-5-1 record between the pipes and a 1,94 goals-against-average.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals (22-4 overall) got a shutout from netminder Bryan Hince last Saturday in a 6-0 victory over Potsdam in the semifinals.

The Cardinals, who have outscored their opponents by a combined 125-52 margin, have been winners in 11 of their last 13 games. In 10 of those contests, Plattsburgh State has allowed two goals or less.

The top point producers for the Cardinals include freshman forward Dylan Clarke (17-15-32), junior forward Riley Hill (14-16-30), freshman forward Eric Satim (9-18-27) and junior defenseman Nick Rolls (13-13-26).

Hince has a 19-4 record and a 1.98 goals-against-average in net.

"This is a great opportunity for us," Emery said. "We're very fortunate to be playing at home.

"These were the two best teams in the conference during the regular season, even though the league is a lot tougher than it used to be and where anyone can beat anyone. Both teams match up pretty evenly.

"I don't really know what kind of game it's going to be as far as the final score is concerned. But, we have to play smart hockey and make the sacrifices it takes to be successful. We have to play to our strengths as a team."

Emery said the Cardinals are in good shape physically and would not comment on what tonight's showdown means as far as the NCAA Division III Tournament is concerned.

"It's not safe to assume anything," he said. "We play for one game at a time."

Note: Emery said Friday night there are still plenty of tickets available for purchase at the door.

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