The Colorado Buffaloes Division 2 men’s hockey team (12-5-0) fell to a tough Division 3 Air Force Falcons team (12-0-1) with a final score of 1-5 on Saturday in Boulder. Despite having numerous chances on power plays, the Falcons' defense was too hot to handle.
Energy was radiating from both teams right at puck drop. Shots on goal remained very consistent throughout the first period, with numerous scoring opportunities for both sides. Both defenses set the tone for most of the game, but Air Force’s offense was not to be denied.
Falcons forward Mackenzie Miller put the first points on the board at the 16:30 mark of the first period. Miller scored again as Cooper Boulanger drew Buffs Goaltender Caleb Allen out of his net, allowing Miller to score an easy wraparound.
Tensions were high as the Buffs emerged from the locker room down by two, eager to make their presence known.
Just three minutes into the second period however, Boulanger would increase the gap with a goal off a cross-ice pass from Brett Oberle.
By the end of the second, the Falcons had widened the shot differential to 23-16.
Emerging for the third period, the Buffs’ energy hit a new high. Captain Diego Pitones, who had been idle up to this point, finally made his presence known with multiple shot attempts to start the period.
The Falcons would pull through once again though, this time off a power play goal from Jason Kleinhans at 12:26. Not even three minutes later, Joseph Cesario would score off a one-timer from Oberle.
As desperation set in for the Buffs, forward David Levkus would pull through. Levkus scored the Buffs’ only goal with 1:40 left in the game, preventing a shutout at home.
The Buffs end the calendar year with 12 wins in the first 17 games of the season and still hold the number one spot in the BMHC. With captain Diego Pitones at the helm, the Buffs offense has scored over 96 goals while only giving up 51.
The Buffs have seen goaltending by committee starting Aaron Solomon, Caleb Allen, and Dylan Lawrence. Defenseman Calvin Stone, who had the most ice time for the Buffs Saturday night, has been electric this season. Under the strong leadership of coaches Will Schaidler and Chris Stevenson, the Buffs are in a great position to dominate conference play for the remainder of the season.
The Buffs return to the ice on Friday, Jan. 10, to take on rival Colorado State on the road in Fort Collins.
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