Joe Dudek posted his first career hat trick and also added an assist as Army blanked Bentley over the first two periods en route to a 9-2 win over the Falcons in MAAC Hockey League action Friday night at the Tate Rink.
Army, which had a 38-24 shot advantage and scored four special teams goals, improved to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in the MAAC. Bentley continues to search for its first victory, falling to 0-8-1 overall and 0-6-1 in the conference.
The Black Knights jumped on top with three goals in the opening period, including Dudek’s first of the night at 10:48 and a short-handed tally by junior Nathan Mayfield at 15:57.
Dudek added his second goal during Army’s two-goal second period and completed his hat trick on a power play at 3:25 of the third.
Assisting on each of Dudek’s goals, as well as one by junior defenseman Eric Joyce, was senior center Mike Fairman.
Freshman left wing Chris MacLeod added three assists for the Knights, who had six other players light the lamp other than Dudek.
Bentley got on the scoreboard for the first time at 5:20 of the third when freshman Mike Mulligan netted his team-leading sixth of the season, with Joe Lovell and Tim Calabro providing
the assists.
Also scoring for the Falcons was senior Paul Monzione, his first of the year coming with 1:04 remaining.
Junior Scott Hamilton earned the win in goal for Army, making 18 saves over the first 49:41 before being relieved by senior Ford Lannan.
Bentley will remain in the Empire State to face Iona Saturday and Army will host UMass-Lowell on Sunday afternoon.