Ice hockey skates to scoreless tie with Niagara

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – Jarrett Fiske of the American International College ice hockey team and Chad Veltri of Niagara University were the stars of the night in the lone Division I contest in the country held on Thursday, December 8 as the goalkeepers both posted shutouts in their Atlantic Hockey Association matchup.

Niagara took the extra AHA point with a four round 1-0 shootout win; AIC's record overall moves to 9-7-4, with a 7-5-2-1-0-0 AHA mark.

Both teams defended well, keeping the rebounds clear of the goalkeepers and preventing second-chance opportunities. Nevertheless, the shots still ultimately piled up, with Fiske facing 26 and Veltri 34, including a combined seven chances in overtime.

The lack of production extended to the power play, although there was limited opportunity as there were only two man-up chances for AIC and one for Niagara; AIC did have one that extended into the overtime.

In particular, the second period went quickly, with just five faceoffs in the frame.

Josef Mysak scored the lone goal in the shootout, which also had to go beyond regulation after Fiske and Veltri each turned back the first three shooters.

For Fiske, the tie marks his first collegiate shutout.

Officially, AIC has won the season series, as the Yellow Jackets have claimed seven points through three meetings with one left to play. That game will be held at 1:05 p.m. on Friday, December 9 at the MassMutual Center. Tickets are still available at www.aictix.com.