WATERTOWN, Mass. – Senior Andrew Gladiuk (White Rock, B.C./Nanaimo) netted a natural hat trick in the 3^rd period as Bentley stormed past AIC 6-1 on Friday night at the JAR in the opening game of a weekend Atlantic Hockey series.

The teams were tied 1-1 after two periods despite the Falcons holding a 27-12 advantage in shots. But a goal by center Max French (West Kelowna, B.C./West Kelowna) at the 8:09 mark of the 3rd set off a run of five goals in less than 10 minutes that saw them cruise towards the victory. The goal was set up by defenseman Matt Blomquist (Blaine, Minn./Coulee Region), who feathered a pass to French streaking down the slot, who one-timed the pass home.

Bentley then wasted little time in adding to its lead as defenseman Billy Eiserman (Newburyport, Mass./Chicago) fired in a shot from the blue line and off the crossbar at 8:34 to make it a 3-1 game. The goal was upheld after a review.

Gladiuk then went to work, scoring first 12:31 on the power play, and less than five minutes later the left winger had his 2^nd career hat trick and Bentley was leading 6-1. The power play goal was Gladiuk's 31^st of his career, adding to the school record he already owns.

The B.C. native then added goals at 14:38, assisted by French and defenseman Alexey Solovyev (Moscow, Russia/Lone Star), and at 17:06, assisted by Blomquist and Kyle Schmidt (Menomonee Falls, Wisc./Sioux City).

Senior Gabe Antoni (Lansdale, Pa./Springfield) made 14 saves to earn his 6^th win of the season.

The six goals is tied for the most scored by the team this season, while Gladiuk moves into 2^nd place alone on the program's Division I list for both goals and points.

Bentley will now go for the sweep tomorrow night at the Olympia Ice Center in Springfield.