Box Score Box
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth fell to visiting Utica 3-1 in a men's ECAC West hockey contest on Friday evening. It was the opening game of the season for both teams. Freshman Ben Blasko opened the scoring for the Golden Flyers 1:14 into the game, but the sixth-ranked Pioneers scored twice in the second period and once in the third to secure the victory.

Blasko scored his first-period goal on a Golden Flyers' transition from defense to offense. Sophomore Chris Murray and junior Julius Tamasy were credited with assists on the play as Nazareth demonstrated crisp passing in the offensive zone.

Sophomore goalie Ed Zdolshek held Utica scoreless for the first 36:14. The Pioneers then scored a pair of goals in 53 seconds to claim the lead. Justin Hogan scored the first goal after receiving a pass from Mike Baird. Nick Miglio tallied the game-winning goal with an unassisted score with 2:53 to play in the period.

Donny Olivieri scored a power play goal 1:38 into the third period to add insurance to the Pioneers' lead. Nazareth had opportunities during the period, but Utica's Nick Therrien made 29 total saves to hold the Golden Flyers to their lone goal.

The Pioneers were 1-4 on the power play while Nazareth finished the game 0-7 with the man advantage. Utica finished with a 40-30 advantage in total shots on goal. The Golden Flyers, however, had a 42-37 advantage in faceoffs.

Nazareth is in action again on Tuesday evening when the Golden Flyers host Brockport in a non-conference contest at the Bill Gray's Iceplex.