Second Half
Tonight’s contest between the No. 5/5 Oswego State Lakers and SUNY Cortland Red Dragons marks the beginning of the second semester for both SUNYAC teams. Over the winter break, Oswego State compiled a record of 3-2 through five games while the Red Dragons won two of their three games. As of now, the Lakers are tied for first in the SUNYAC with SUNY Geneseo with 13 points and SUNY Cortland sits in fifth place with six points.
Looking Back
These teams faced off early in the 2017-18 campaign on Nov. 3 at SUNY Cortland and the Lakers were able to come away with a 3-1 victory. Mitch Emerson, Jody Sullivan and Michael Gillespie were the goal scorers for Oswego State. Tom Ritchie netted the lone goal for the Red Dragons.
Goaltending Matchup
Both teams will start the same goaltenders as the did the previous time they faced off, with David Richer in net for Oswego State while Drew Weigman gets the nod for SUNY Cortland. Tonight will be Richer’s fourth consecutive start for Oswego State.
Lineup Card
OSW-
COR-
Players To Watch
OSW- Tyson Bruce
The right wing spot on the Oswego State fourth line has seen plenty of different faces over the course of the season so far and Bruce has the potential to stick for the remainder of the season flanking centerman Trent Durocher. The matchup against SUNY Cortland offers a chance for a bigger forward to step up and score a tough goal in what should be a low scoring physical game and Bruce can be that guy for Oswego State.
COR- Dan Broderick
The senior forward only has five points through 15 games this season, but he has 79 career points so it is obvious the scoring potential is there for Broderick. With his final semester beginning tonight, he will be motivated to push through his early season slump and end his college hockey career with a bang.
Milestones
Oswego State head coach Ed Gosek comes into tonight’s contest with 299 career wins under his belt, so a win over the Red Dragons will put him in the 300 win club. He will join Plattsburgh State’s Bob Emery as the only coaches in the SUNYAC with 300 wins.
Prediction-
Oswego State is undefeated in conference play so far this season and that should continue against a 7-9-0 SUNY Cortland. One storyline to watch is David Richer starting his fourth consecutive game, which is the longest stretch either goaltender has played all season. This could potentially lead to burnout for the redshirt sophomore, but either way he can be depended on to get the job done for the Lakers. Oswego State already beat SUNY Cortland on the road and nothing should change tonight on home ice.
Oswego State wins 4-1.
