The Mercyhurst Lakers continued their drive for a second successive MAAC championship with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Army before close to 1,000 fans Saturday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
Army scored first when senior forward Josh Marino beat Mercyhurst goaltender Peter Aubry at 14:38 of the first period. Morino was assisted by sophomore forwards Jon Boyle and Dustin Healey.
Mercyhurst tied the game late in the period as senior captain Louis Goulet scored his ninth of the season at 19:39. Sophomore forward Peter Rynshoven had the lone assist.
Rynshoven then notched what proved to be the game-winner at 10:18 of the second, getting his 12th of the year with help from freshman linemate Rich Hansen and sophomore wing Adam Tackaberry.
Army senior netminder Scott Hamilton and Aubrey closed both doors thereafter. The Black Knights pulled Hamilton for an extra attacker with under a minute to play, but Aubry stood his ground.
Mercyhurst outshot Army 30-22 in winning for the sixth time in seven tries against the Black Knights, including a three of four slate this season. Referee Jeff Fulton was kept busy, calling 31 penalties in the game for a combined 86 minutes.
Mercyhurst improved its record to 23-9-3 and will head to the semifinals in Worcester, Mass. Army closed its year at 9-17-6. The Lakers will play Connecticut Thursday in the semifinals at Holy Cross. Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac will meet in the other semifinal.
