GENESEO, N.Y. – The season opener for the men's hockey had the makings of a classic and also showed the country that this year's team is ready to step up into the shadows of last year's graduating class. In a hostile road environment, the Bulldogs (1-0) fell behind 4-1 in the second period but managed to claw their way back and eventually take a 5-4 lead with four straight goals. Geneseo tied the game and sent it into overtime where junior Andrew Dovey netted the game-winner at 2:28 at even strength from Zach Graham and Ryan Gieseler.
The first period saw the teams battle to a 1-1 tie as Carson Schell scored for the Knights and Dovey got his first of the season at 17:26 from Josh Ranalli and Jordan Principalli. Adrian was whistled for two minor penalties in the first period as Geneseo went 0-for-2 on the power play.
The Knights exploded for the first three goals in the second period to take what looked like a commanding 4-1 lead. Zachary Vit and Jimmy Powers notched back-to-back power play goals at 3:13 and 4:23 respectively. David Arduin assisted on Powers' goal and then at 5:42 scored himself at even strength as Geneseo scored three goals in a matter of 2:29.
Adrian woke up and started to take the action to the home team and it began with Duston Hebebrand and fellow freshman Justin Basso scoring even strength goals just 1:02 apart to pull within 4-3 at the end of the second period.
Graham scored on the power play for the Bulldogs just 15 seconds into the third period to tie the game with assists going to Jordan Watts and Josh Cousineau. Watts then put Adrian ahead at 5-4 at the 5:41 mark also on the power play with assists going to Shelby Gray and Chris Stansik. Geneseo got the equalizer at 8:41 from Nick Ryan with an assist from Vit.
Graham took a slashing minor with one second left in regulation and Adrian was forced to kill a penalty to begin overtime. AC was up to the challenge and then seconds later it was Dovey's second of the game which set the Bulldogs into the winner's circle.
James Hamby had a shaky debut in net for Adrian playing 29:07 and allowing four goals while making 11 saves. Scott Shackell entered the game and played the final 33:21 making 14 saves and getting the win. Cory Gershon made 26 saves but did allow six goals. Adrian went 2-for-4 on the power play while Geneseo was 2-for-5.
