Connor Brassard
Connor Brassard

Bentley Set to Host UNH for Home Opener Friday Night

Game Notes

The Matchup: Bentley is set to host UNH in its home opener at Bentley Arena on Friday night. The puck drops at 7:05 and tickets are available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3111021/bentley-vsuniversity-of-new-hampshire-waltham-the-bentley-arena

Bentley dropped its opening two games last weekend at Robert Morris, while the Wildcats played two at Miami (Ohio) and won the first game 6-2 and tied the second 4-4.

Watch the Game: If you can't make it to the Arena, watch the game on FloHockey.TV, the new streaming partner of Atlantic Hockey.

Subscriptions start at $12.50/month and games can be watched live or on demand. Games can be watched on your desktop, or on the FloHockey app on your device of choice.

Last Time Out: Bentley fell to Robert Morris in a pair of games last weekend out in Pittsburgh, despite owning a large edge in shots on goal in each game but were stonewalled by Colonials goalie Justin Kapelmaster. They outshot RMU 35-16 in the first game in a 3-0 defeat and outshot them 46-22 in the second game, and Kapelmaster was named the AHA Goalie of the Week for his efforts.

Bentley's goal in the second game came from Jakov Novak, with Jonathan Desbiens on the assist.

Series History: Friday's game will be the 4th all-time between Bentley and UNH. The Wildcats won last season up in Durham, 4-3. Ryner Gorowsky and Luke Santerno were among the Bentley goal scorers, and goalie Aidan Pelino made 39 saves.

Bentley defeated UNH 5-1 in the season opener of the 2016-17 season. A number of this year's senior class made their debuts in that game and contributed to the win. Connor Brassard and Jonathan Desbiens scored goals and Jake Kauppila had an assist. Brett Orr, a team captain this season, and winger Matt Riggleman were also in the lineup that day.

Bentley vs. Hockey East: Bentley has beaten a Hockey East team in nine of the last 11 seasons, going back to 2008-09. The wins have come against seven team different teams; Maine (08-09), UMass (09-10), Northeastern (10-11, 12-13, 15-16), BU (13-14), UINH (16-17), UMass-Lowell (17-18) and BC (18-19).

Bentley Notables: Jonathan Desbiens has the 7th most points among active Atlantic Hockey players with 73. Luke Santerno has the 9th most with 66 points and is just a junior. Aidan Pelino has the most career starts among goalies in Atlantic Hockey with 74. Matt Riggleman played in his 100th career game on last Friday at RMU. Defenseman Connor Brassard is at 98 career games.

Up Next: Bentley plays just once this weekend, but is at home twice next weekend in a split weekend. They host Army West Point on Friday night, and St. Lawrence from the ECAC on Saturday night, in what will be Senior Night for the Falcons.