Jayson Argue
Jayson Argue

Bentley-AIC Battle to 1-1 Draw; Schmidt Scores for Bentley

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Bentley University and AIC played bonus hockey for the second straight game, but couldn't settle it in overtime once again, and the teams settled for a 1-1 tie on Thursday night in the conclusion of their midweek series at the Mass Mutual Center.

The goals for both teams came in the 2nd period. Junior Kyle Schmidt (Menomonee, Wisc./Sioux City) lit the lamp for the Falcons, while right wing Johno May scored for the Yellow Jackets. Both teams put a high number of shots on goal throughout the evening, and Falcons netminder Jayson Argue (Swan River, Manitboa/Nanaimo) was sharp all night with a season-high 37 saves.

The Falcons' record goes to 2-4-3 overall on the season, and 1-3-2 in Atlantic Hockey games.

The first period ended scoreless despite several good chances by both teams. Bentley finished the period with a 12-9 edge in shots on net, but goaltenders Argue and AIC's Zackarias Skog kept the game scoreless.

The 2nd period though was a different story, as both teams were able to light the lamp once each. Bentley struck first, just 1:23 into the period. Off an AIC turnover in Bentley's offensive zone, defenseman Tanner Salsberry (Cypress, Texas/Jersey Hitmen) found Schmidt for his 2nd goal of the series and 4th of the season.

Midway through the period Bentley's penalty kill was pressed into action after a five-minute major was called for elbowing at the 8:49 mark. Bentley did a solid job in keeping AIC off the scoreboard for almost the first two minutes, but the Yellow Jackets were able to covert at 10:35 as the goal came from May. The Falcons though killed off the remaining 3-plus minutes of the power play, and the game went into the 3rd period tied 1-1 for the 2nd straight time.

Both teams let the shots fly in the 3rd period and overtime, but strong goaltending by both Argue and Skog preserved the tie. The Falcons had a 13-11 edge in shots for the 3rd period, and 5-4 in overtime.

Bentley will be off this weekend, and will be back in action starting Nov. 18 at the JAR to open a weekend series against Mercyhurst.