ANNAPOLIS,Md: In the final hockey game of the weekend at McMullen, it was the Navy Midshipmen defeating the Army Black Knights in a tightly fought battle.
The importance of this game could be felt from before the game began, as Vice Admiral Sean S Buck, the Superintendant of the United States Naval Academy, gave a pep talk in the Midshipmen’s locker room before game time. Vice Admiral Buck also dropped the ceremonial puck before the battle.
Army struck first on the power play, 2:56 into the first period. It was Daniel Walker getting the unassisted goal for Army. Navy evened the score with their own power play goal at 10:15. Jack Martensen got the goal with helpers from Kevin Harris and Jack Mclauglin. Navy took the lead with an even strength goal at the 17:15 mark, when Luke Ostrowski scored with an assist from Tom Mcgowan. The first period would end with the Midshipmen taking a 2-1 lead. The second period would not see any goals scored.
Army would open the scoring in the third period with Will Kiley scoring with an assist coming from Walker at 0:55Â to tie the game. Navy’s Harris regained the lead for Navy at 10:32 with assists coming from Nicolas Galup and Jack Martensen. McGowan would give the Midshipmen a two goal lead at 12:02, with help from Cameron Dean. With just 2:03 remaining, the Black Knights would pull to within one, when Walker scored a power play goalÂ. Army would then call a timeout to try and find a way to win. Navy held firm in the final minute and came away with the hard fought victory.
Skippy Sheldon was in goal for Navy, and made 30 saves on 33 shots. In net for Army was Jack Kraus, making 17 saves on 21 shots.
As is customary, after the handshakes, the USMA’s alma mater was played, followed by the honor of singing second and the playing of the Navy Blue and Gold, the USNA’s alma mater.
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