Top-ranked Hobart hockey edged No. 7 Utica in dramatic fashion Thursday night, earning a 6-5 overtime win at the Adirondack Bank Center, a rematch of last March’s national championship game. Sophomore forward Arvega Hovsepyan netted the game-winner just 44 seconds into overtime, lifting the defending national champions to their ninth straight victory and a 3-0-0 start to the season.
Hovsepyan, who tallied twice, was joined on the scoresheet by junior Chris Duclair (one goal, two assists) and sophomore Nick Dimatos (one goal, one assist), as six different Statesmen recorded points. Goaltenders Mavrick Goyer and Damon Beaver combined for 11 saves, with Beaver earning the win in relief.
Utica’s Eric Vitale recorded a hat trick to pace the Pioneers (0-3-0), while Sal Cerrato added three assists. The back-and-forth contest saw five goals scored in the second period alone. Hobart’s power play was key, converting twice on three chances, while Utica went 2-for-9 with the man advantage.
After the Pioneers took a late 5-4 lead, Duclair answered just 30 seconds later to force overtime. In the extra frame, Hovsepyan intercepted a clearing attempt, skated into the slot, and slipped the puck through the goalie’s pads for the decisive goal.
Hobart outshot Utica 36-16, including a dominant 17-1 edge in the opening period.
The Statesmen host the Pioneers again on Saturday, November 8, at 4 p.m. at The Cooler in Geneva.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].