Box | Updated stats
POTSDAM. N.Y -- Returning to the ice for the first time in 26 days, Nazareth battled host Potsdam to a 2-2 tie in non-conference men's hockey action Friday at the Bears' Maxcy Arena.

The teams square off again Saturday at 4 p.m. Nazareth is 6-5-2 overall while Potsdam stands at 7-4-2.

The Golden Flyers rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to gain the tie and force the standard five-minute overtime period. Nazareth had a 39-31 edge in shots on goal, but the Golden Flyers needed a third period power play goal by senior Matt Manzella to gain the tie. David Powlowski and Jacob Paluch assisted on Manzella's second tally of the season, which resulted from a hooking penalty to Potsdam's Joseph Richardson.

"It was a well-played college hockey game," said Nazareth Coach George Roll. "We started a little slowly, but played well later on and generated some good chances."

Potsdam scored in the first period, then Nazareth tied the score with a power play goal in the second as John Power converted a chance that was assisted by Ray Falso and J.R. Wojciechowski.

Less than four minutes later, the Bears regained the lead as Vinny Guimond scored for the fourth time with assistance from Richardson and Sean Kacerosky. That gave the Bears a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. Manzella's goal came at 5:57 of the third. Each team had a power play opportunity later in the period, but neither could capitalize.

Sophomore Michael Tilford played all 65 minutes in goal for  Nazareth and had 29 saves, including 11 in the third period and five more in overtime. Nate Skidmore had 37 saves for Potsdam.