Dec. 14, 2007

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - Freshman forward Mike Gurtler recorded his first career two-goal game, Mercyhurst registered its first two-game winning streak of the season, and freshman winger Steve Cameron tallied his first-ever game-winning goal as Mercyhurst edged American International College 5-4 Friday night at the Ice Center. The Lakers improved to 4-11-2 overall and 4-5-2 in Atlantic Hockey. AIC dropped to 4-10-2 and 4-8-1 respectively.

The Lakers scored the first two goals of the game in the opening period, getting third goals of the season from both junior forward Brett Robinson and freshman Gurtler at 13:45 and 15:21. Senior captain Ben Cottreau, returning to the lineup after a five-game sbsence, assisted on Robinson's lamplighter while Gurtler got help from freshmen Dan Bremner and Jeff Terminesi, their second and first career points respectively. The Yellow Jackets cut the lead in half at 19:31 when T. J. Smith scored in a 5-on-3. The Lakers outshout AIC 10-6 in the first period.

The teams combined for five goals in a wild second period that produced a total of 26 shots. Junior Chad Richardson tied the game at 2-2 at 3:38 and freshman winger Steve McLeod squared things again at 3-3 at 8:03 on another power play opportunity. Meanwhile, Bremner notched his second goal of the year, from linemates Neil Graham and Gurtler, at 7:15, Gurtler got his second of the game, from Graham, at 14:02, and freshman Cameron finished the second period scoring with his third of the year, from linemates Scott Pitt and Jesse Echternach (his first career point), at 15:54. Mercyhurst had 14 of the 26 second period shots.

The score remained 5-3 until just over a minute remained in regulation. AIC forward Mike McMillan drew the Yellow Jackets to within one when he scored after AIC pulled its goalie for an extra attacker. But AIC took a minor penalty 14 seconds later and the Lakers held on for the win.

Mercyhurst outshot AIC 40-23 overqall and was blanked in five power play attempts. The Yellow Jackets finished 2 for 7.

Mercyhurst improved to 22-2-1 lifetime against AIC and to 10-0-1 at the Ice Center. Junior Matt Lundin picked up the win between the pipes while freshman Dan Ramirez absorbed the loss.

The two teams will conclude the weekend series Saturday night at 7:05.