Box Score Box l Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth fell to ninth-ranked Geneseo 3-2 in a non-conference hockey game on Sunday afternoon at Frontier Field. Freshman Ben Blasko scored the Golden Flyers' two goals to give him a team-leading five goals on the season.

The game was part of the Frozen Frontier event that featured a series of unique outdoor games, including a Friday night game between the Rochester Americans and the Lake Erie Monsters. With the loss, Nazareth falls to 1-9-1 overall. With the victory, the Knights improve to 9-2 overall.

After a scoreless first period, Geneseo's Zachary Vit broke deadlock 5:14 into the second stanza. Vit's shot was a one-timer from Jack Ceglarski on an odd-man rush. The Golden Flyers tied the game just under three minutes later as Blasko converted a wrap around attempt. Blasko collected the puck from the back boards following a shot by sophomore Scott Dawson.

Tyler Brickler scored the next two goals for the Knights. Brickler's first goal was at the 11:54 mark of the second period. After Geneseo won the faceoff and put a shot on goal from the left point, Brickler collected the rebound off sophomore Ed Zdolshek's pads and put it past Nazareth's goaltender. Brickler's second goal of the game was with roughly four minutes remaining in regulation. The goal, assisted by Ryan Stanimir and Matt Solomon, was on the power play.

Blasko cut  the Golden Flyers' deficit to one goal with about eight seconds to play in regulation. Blasko scored following a scramble in front of the Geneseo net as Nazareth pulled Zdolshek in favor of an extra attacker. Senior Jordan Ciccarello and Dawson were credited with the assists.

The Golden Flyers thought they had tied the score at two goals apiece 8:15 into the third period on a shot by sophomore Packy Jones. The officials ruled the Knights' defenseman knocked the net off its pegs before the goal was scored. Geneseo was assessed a two-minute delay of game penalty, but Nazareth was not able to score with the man advantage.

Zdolshek finished with a game-high 26 saves for the Golden Flyers. Bryan Haude had 21 saves for the Knights. Geneseo finished with a 32-30 edge in faceoffs. Junior Julius Tamasy finished with 12 faceoff wins for Nazareth.

"It was a fun experience for our guys," said Nazareth Coach George Roll. "We want to thank the Red Wings and the Amerks for making it possible for us to particpate in the Frozen Frontier."

The Golden Flyers are in action again on January 10th for a non-conference game against nationally ranked Oswego at Bill Gray's Iceplex.