Dan Koudys
Dan Koudys

Air Force Rallies Late, Beats Bentley in OT 3-2

WATERTOWN, Mass. – The Air Force Falcons staged another late-game comeback, this time with the Bentley Falcons as the victims, as Air Force rallied from 2-0 down in the third period and won in overtime Thursday night on Blake Page's goal just 13 seconds in the extra session.

Bentley took a 2-0 lead 4:05 into the third period on sophomore Dan Koudys' (Grimsby, Ontario/Burlington Cougars) fourth goal of the season.

With senior goalie Joe Calvi (New Lenox, Ill./New England Jr. Huskies) playing stellar and keeping Air Force off the scoreboard, the home side looked to have the game in control as it stayed at 2-0 past the midway point of the period.

But as they've done several times this season, including in their last game against Holy Cross, Air Force staged a third period comeback, starting with a goal by junior defenseman Tim Kirby at 12:30.

After Air Force's Ryan Timar was called for cross checking at 17:12, Bentley looked to be headed for a victory. However, a skirmish after the whistle at 17:40 led to a roughing call on Bentley, as well as coincidental penalties.

That changed the momentum to Air Force, and just 13 seconds later with goalie Jason Torf on the bench and an extra-attacker on the ice, senior Derrick Burnett tied the game at two.

Neither team scored during the remainder of regulation, but Air Force won the opening face-off of overtime and Page quickly scored, with junior Scott Mathis on the assist.

The comeback overshadowed another strong effort by Calvi, who made 32 saves, including 19 in the second period. Torf made 29 saves for Air Force, earning his fourth win of the season.

Sophomore Joe Campanelli (Pierrefonds, Quebec/Westminster Prep) scored his fourth goal of the season for Bentley in the second period, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Air Force improves to 7-7-2 on the season and 5-3-2 in Atlantic Hockey with the win, while Bentley falls to 5-9-2 and 4-6-1.

These same two teams will conclude their two-game series Friday at 5:05 p.m.

Box Score

At Watertown, Mass.

Air Force (7-7-2, 5-3-2 AHA)         0   0   2   1   --   3

Bentley (5-9-2, 4-6-1 AHA)           0   1   1   0   --   2

 

1st Period: No Scoring

2nd Period: B, Joe Campanelli (Ryan Kayfes, Aaron Stonacek) 13:46

3rd Period: B, Dan Koudys (Micah Williams, Erik Peterson) 4:05; AF, Tim Kirby (Adam McKenzie, Kyle DeLaurell) 12:30; AF, EX Derrick Burnett (Scott Mathis) 17:53

Overtime: AF, Blake Page (Mathis) 00:13

Shots: B, 31; AF, 35

Saves: B, Joe Calvi 32; AF, Jason Torf 29

Penalties: B, 6-12; AF, 4-8

Power Plays: B, 0-3; AF, 0-5