Mercyhurst remained unbeaten in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) with a 5-2 win over visiting Iona Saturday night at the Ice Center.
The win improved Mercyhurst’s record to 15-7-2 overall and 14-0-2 in the conference. The Gaels fell to 9-11-2 overall and 8-6-2 in the MAAC. The Lakers now lead the overall series 8-1-0.
Mercyhurst got on the scoreboard first when senior forward Brad Olsen beat Iona goaltender Mike Fraser at 6:35 of the first. Olsen’s eighth of the season was assisted by linemate David Wrigley.
Iona tied the game late in the first period when junior forward John Gilbert got his third of the year from Ryan Manitowich at 19:07. The Gaels outshot Mercyhurst 13-9 in the opening priod.
Iona took the lead at 6:57 of the second on Manitowich’s fifth of the year, from freshman Brent Williams and sophomore Kelly Bararuk at 6:57. But that was the last time Iona could solve Mercyhurst senior netminder Peter Aubry. The Lakers tied the contest at 2-2 when junior forward Adam Rivers scored from juniors Marty Rychley and R. C. Lyke at 13:31. Mercyhurst outshot the Gaels 9-5 in the middle period.
The third period, for the second straight night, was all Mercyhurst. With Lyke in the penalty box for a late second period elbow, Mercyhurst senior captain Louis Goulet scored shorthanded at 18 seconds from junior Mark Chambers for what proved to be the game winner. It was Goulet’s seventh of the season, second shorthanded, and second winner.
Senior Tom McMonagle notched his fourth of the year at 6:53 before sophomore forward Peter Rynshoven completed the scoring with his seventh of the season.
The Gaels outshot the Lakers 12-8 in the final period and 30-26 for the game. Aubry stopped 28 shots to remain unbeaten in the conference at 12-0-1. Fraser stopped 21 shots for the Gaels as his overall record fell to 5-8-1.
Mercyhurst and Iona were both 0 for 7 with the man advantage. The Mercyhurst penalty kill was outstanding again, and has now stopped 73 of the last 75 shorthanded situations.
