Hobart hockey, ranked No. 1 nationally, held off a late rally to defeat Cortland 4-3 in a SUNYAC matchup at Alumni Arena on Saturday night, extending its win streak to 29 games and unbeaten run to 36.
Kahlil Fontana led the Statesmen with a goal and an assist, while Chris Duclair, Conor Lally, and Adam Ondris also scored. Goaltender Damon Beaver made 22 saves to secure his 15th win of the season as Hobart improved its road winning streak to 14 games.
Hobart controlled much of the game early, outshooting Cortland 30-25 and building a 4-0 advantage through two periods. Duclair opened the scoring late in the first period, and Fontana added a second goal early in the second. Lally followed with a power-play tally before Ondris netted the eventual game-winner midway through the period.
Cortland mounted a comeback in the third period behind goals from Garrett Krieger, Morley Phillips, and Sam Christiano, cutting the deficit to 4-3 with just over five minutes remaining. The Statesmen defense held firm down the stretch to preserve the victory.
Krieger and Phillips each recorded a goal and an assist for the Red Dragons, while Nolan Suggs made 26 saves in net. Hobart finished 1-for-4 on the power play, while Cortland converted once on two opportunities.
Hobart returns to action Friday, February 20, hosting Buffalo State at 7 p.m. before facing Fredonia at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 21, to close the regular season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.