Ice hockey beats Lakers on last-second penalty shot

ERIE, Pennsylvania -- "Down to the last second" is rarely as literal as it was for the American International College ice hockey team, which defeated Mercyhurst University 2-1 in overtime on a penalty shot by Blake Bennett at 4:59.2 to secure a signficant Atlantic Hockey Association win.

AIC is now 13-10-5 overall and 10-6-2-1-2-0 in the AHA.

After a scoreless first period, both teams hit the net in the second on the man advantage. Alexander Malinowski came in over the right wing on the rush, and drove to the net; his shot deflected off of Lakers goalkeeper Tyler Harmon and hit Brian Kramer's stick, bouncing in at 5:52 for his fifth of the year, similar to how he scored in overtime earlier in the week in overtime at West Point.

However, the Lakers countered, with Eric Esposito landing the tying tally at 16:43 while up a man.

The 1-1 draw remained through regulation and overtime. AIC had the last chance of the game, as a breakout pass found Blake Bennett behind the defense with just seconds to play. He was slashed as he attempted to shoot, and the officials called for a penalty shot. Bennett made no mistake, firing the renewed opportunity into the net for the winner, officially at 4:59 of overtime, and his team- and AHA-best 16th of the year.

"Did he score?!?"

��#HobeyBennett https://t.co/u1fN5BkWqf pic.twitter.com/Si1LIcXkfP

— AIC Hockey (@AIC_Hockey) January 21, 2023

Alexandros Aslanidis rebounded to earn the win to improve to 7-3-1 on the year, making 29 stops in the victory; AIC outshot Mercyhurst 34-30.

The team has a bye week forthcoming and will return home on Thursday, February 2 to face Sacred Heart University. Tickets are available at www.aictix.com and at the MassMutual Center Box Office.