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UTICA, N.Y. -- One day after Nazareth allowed a late goal to settle for a tie with 14th-ranked Utica, the visiting Golden Flyers scored three third-period goals to overcome a two-goal deficit and defeat the Pioneers 5-4 in an ECAC West hockey game Saturday evening. Sophomore David Seward scored the game-winning goal 7:43 into the third period to cap the rally. Seward and sophomore Dominik Gabaj each scored twice while classmate Ben Blasko also scored for Nazareth.

Following the victory, the Golden Flyers improve to 2-0-1 overall and 1-0-1 in ECAC West games. With the loss, the Pioneers fall to 1-1-1 overall and 0-1-1 in conference games.

Seward's game-winning goal came on the power play after Utica was whistled for goaltender interference. The scoring opportunity started with senior Julius Tamasy winning a faceoff back to the right point. A long shot by the Golden Flyers' defenseman was saved, but the rebound came out toward the left point, which freshman Oliver Janzen blasted on goal. Utica's goalie, Cory Simic, was able to slow the puck but it still moved toward the goal line. Simic sprawled to the ice to knock the puck to the side of the net, however, Seward was waiting and flipped the puck into the top of the net.

Seward's game-winner was the third Nazareth goal in a span of 5:54. Roughly three minutes before Seward's goal, Gabaj scored the equalizer on another power play opportunity to tie the contest, 4-4. Gabaj took a shot from near the left faceoff circle facing Simic and buried his shot over Simic's glove.

Blasko started the Golden Flyers' rally 1:49 into the third period. Blasko's goal came only 47 seconds after Utica had stretched its lead to 4-2. On Blasko's goal, Nazareth maintained the scoring opportunity by keeping the puck inside the blue line. From near the right-wing boards, Janzen dribbled the puck toward the slot then sent a pass through the slot to Blasko, who was inside the left faceoff circle. Blasko's shot slipped inside the near post for the goal. The Pioneers appeared to have the momentum only moments earlier after scoring on the power play when Dalton Carter's shot from the blue line found the back of the Nazareth net.

In addition to trailing 4-2, the Golden Flyers also rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits. After a scoreless first period, Utica opened the scoring 3:43 into the second period by converting a three-on-one odd-man rush opportunity. Justin Hogan converted the scoring chance. The goal was the first of a flurry of four goals scored in a span of only 80 seconds. Gabaj answered for Nazareth by taking advantage of a two-on-one rush. After Utica cleared the puck to mid-ice, the Golden Flyers poked the puck toward the left-wing boards, and Gabaj's shot from near the middle of the left faceoff circle beat Simic.

Less than 30 seconds after Gabaj's goal, Peter LaFosse scored on a rebound to reclaim the Pioneers' lead. LaFosse's score came on another power play chance. It took the Golden Flyers only 28 seconds to tie the game at two goals apiece. Nazareth's scoring chance was set up by pass from the back boards behind the Utica net in front to Seward. Utica took a 3-2 lead into the third period after Louie Educate scored on another power play opportunity with 7:59 to play in the second period.

Junior Ed Zdolshek made a game-high 24 saves, including 14 in the opening period to keep the game scoreless. In the second and third periods combined, Nazareth's defense allowed only 14 total shots to reach Zdolshek. Simic recorded 16 saves in the loss. The Pioneers finished with a 28-22 advantage in shots on goal and a 48-31 advantage in faceoffs won. Utica converted 3 of 7 power play chances while the Golden Flyers were 2 of 5 with the man advantage.

Nazareth is in action again Friday when the Golden Flyers travel to Hobart for another ECAC West game. On the 15th, Nazareth plays third-ranked Oswego in a non-conference contest. The Golden Flyers return home for ECAC West games against Manhattanville and Neumann on the 21st and 22nd, respectively.