Dec. 15, 2007

Stats

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's hockey team (5-11-2 overall, 5-5-2 AHA) scored two goals in the final 40 minutes to subdue visiting American International (4-11-2, 4-9-1) Saturday evening at the MIC. The win was the Lakers' third straight, the most consecutive wins since back-to-back weekend sweeps of Bentley and Air Force in late January/early February, 2007.

After AIC took a 1-0 lead after the first period on a goal from Chris Campanele, Mercyhurst used the power play to its advantage. The Lakers had two goals with the man advantage, one by freshman Scott Pitt in the second period to tie the contest and the other coming off the stick of Brandon Coccimiglio early in the third period. AIC pulled goaltender Dan Ramirez with under 40 seconds left in regulation, but could not tie the game.

The game winner was Coccimiglio's first collegiate, while Pitt and Coccimiglio have four power-play goals apiece to lead the team.

Mercyhurst is now 23-2-1 all-time versus the Yellow Jackets, including a near flawless 11-0-1 in Erie.

Mercyhurst outshot AIC 35-32. MC junior netminder Matt Lundin made 34 of 35 saves and was named the game's first star. Ramirez made 30 saves for AIC and was the third star.

Mercyhurst was 2-for-7 on the power play while AIC was 0-for-4.

Mercyhurst will enjoy a nice Christmas/New Year's break before facing off against WCHA opponent Michigan Tech on Jan. 4-5 at 7:05 p.m. both nights. Mercyhurst's next Atlantic Hockey opponent will be Army the following weekend, Jan. 11-12 at the same times.