Two defensive turnovers led to No. 15 Oswego State’s 4-3 loss to No. 7 Utica College, even though the Lakers scored three unanswered goals to tie the game in the third period.

Utica College opened scoring at 8:06 of the first period after Carson Vance turned the puck over near the defensive blue line, allowing Kasper Kjellkvist to waltz in for a two-on-one, but kept the shot for himself.

And after what seemed like a comeback for the Lakers in a 3-3 tie late in the game, Jeff Solow turned the puck over, letting Conor Landrigan to score his second of the game with 1:52 remaining in the regulation period.

The remaining 112 seconds and an extra skater with the empty net in the third period was not enough to tie the game again.

“The majority of the mistakes that we made—last weekend, tonight—ended up in the back of our net,” head coach Ed Gosek said. “Jeff feels bad about the turnover, but what are you going to do? That’s how it’s gone. The pucks end up in the back of our net.”

After the third goal from Eric Holland in the second period, David Richer was pulled, allowing three goals on 11 shots. Cedric Hansen came in relief for the second time this season. The other game was the 9-1 loss to SUNY Geneseo on Nov. 16.

Hansen stopped 12 shots in his 32:39 of relief. The 13th shot was the fatal game-winner from Landrigan.

“That two-on-one goal, their third goal, you can’t fault [Richer]. It was a heck of a snipe. Then there was the first turnover, and you still can’t fault him,” Gosek said. “It was just a change to get the guys going. Cedric went in and played well. He made some good saves on our turnovers and mistakes.”

Ryan Bunka did score his first collegiate goal in the game, which was also his first collegiate point. He lagged behind an offensive opportunity for Oswego State, taking a pass in the slot and ripping one past the net at 16:18 of the second period.

Anthony Passero—after going down earlier in the third period and heading to the dressing room—brought the Lakers within one after a two-on-one opportunity with Alex DiCarlo with 14:54 left in the third. Josh Zizek eventually tied the game off a rebound from Jody Sullivan at 8:56.

“[Bunka’s] been able to get in the lineup and I’m happy for him. He’s paid his dues,” Gosek said. “I didn’t even ask the trainer about Passero. She said he was good to go, so be it. It’s that time of year.”

Oswego State has now lost three straight games and still has yet to beat a nationally-ranked opponent. The Lakers drop to 7-6-0 (6-1-0 SUNYAC) following the loss. Utica College, who continues to climb up the Div. III rankings, improves to 10-2-2.

The tough schedule for the Lakers does not end here, however. Oswego State will host Elmira College on Saturday, which has also been receiving national votes in the USCHO polls. The Soaring Eagles (7-3-1, 5-2-0 UCHC) have won their last five games, and also beat Utica College 4-2 on Nov. 23.

“It’s easy when it’s going well, and difficult when things aren’t going well, especially coming off of last weekend. We can’t sit here feeling sorry for ourselves,” Gosek said. “We’ve got to regroup and find a way to come back against a very good Elmira team.”

Photo by Ben Grieco | The Oswegonian