The nationally-ranked Oswego State men's ice hockey team tallied late goals in the first and third periods in order to tie host Elmira College 2-2 in overtime on Friday night in the Murray Athletic Center Ice Arena. With the tie, the Lakers go to 10-2-3 on the year while the Soaring Eagles move to 7-5-3.
Oswego trailed 2-1 in the waning minutes of the final period when Elmira was nabbed for slashing. The Lakers did not squander the opportunity, as Chris Raguseo found senior teammate Nick Rivait for a power-play goal with just 1:39 remaining in regulation. That goal forced the extra five-minute period, but neither team was able to score the deciding goal.
The Lakers' other goal also came with time winding down in a period, when Stephen Johnson notched a goal with one second left to play in the first period. Brandon Adams and John Jackson teamed up for assists on the score, finding Johnson who tied the game at 1-1 heading to the first intermission.
Justin Gilbert started between the pipes for Oswego, giving a stellar effort throughout the night. The junior stopped 33 Soaring Eagle attempts, but none were bigger than his second to last save of the night. Elmira stole the puck out the Lakers' offensive zone and Tommy Sumi received an outlet pass for a Soaring Eagles' breakaway. With no defenders back to stop the pressure, Gilbert came out of the crease and made a diving glove save to preserve the draw.
Oswego's penalty-kill unit was on point in the contest, holding Elmira scoreless on three extra-man opportunities.
The Lakers will now have six days of rest before hosting Fredonia in SUNYAC play, starting at 7 p.m. on Friday.
