This weekend was the last weekend of nonconference play for the AHA. All teams start their conference schedules this upcoming week. After this weekend, some teams are in better shape than others. UConn and Holy Cross highlighted this past week’s game, with UConn pulling out the win.

Air Force – The Falcons had a two goal lead with two minutes to play against Canisius. But the Falcons surrendered two goals in the last two minutes as they tied Canisius 3-3. Cole Gunner continued his impressive start to his freshmen season with two assists. He now has a five game point streak and has recorded a point in six of the Falcons’ seven games. Kyle DeLaurell also continued his hot streak, scoring a goal. He has recorded at least one point in each of the six game he has played this year.

UConn – The Huskies recorded their biggest win of the young season on Thursday. Two third period goals propelled the Huskies past Holy Cross 4-2. Billy Latta and Brant Harris had a goal and assist each in the win. Harris has now recorded a point in five of the Huskies’ six games and has six goals in those games. Cole Schneider added an empty net goal, continuing to impress after his stellar freshman year.

Canisius – The Golden Griffins stole a point against Air Force, scoring three times in the third period, including twice in the last two minutes to earn the 3-3 tie.  Kyle Gibbons scored and added an assist. He has scored in three of four games for the Golden Griffins and continues to impress this season. Tony Capobianco also continues to impress in his timeshare with Dan Morrison. Capobianco has a .924 save percentage on season and a 3.40 goals against average.

AIC – The Yellow Jackets had an up and down weekend. After demolishing Sacred Heart 7-4 on Friday, AIC couldn’t keep it going, falling 5-2 to Union. Steve Mele scored twice on the weekend and is on pace for a career season. He has already set a career high in goals (4) and is just four points away from tying his career high in points. With a goal and two assists over the weekend, Adam Pleskach appears to be picking up steam. He was held to just one point on the season before the weekend. If he can get it going along with Mele, the Yellow Jackets could put a scare into a couple teams.

Bentley – Bentley had a strange week. They played Sacred Heart on Tuesday and then were off until they took on Clarkson on Friday and Saturday. Brett Gensler led the Falcons with a five point weekend (1 goal, 4 assists). The five points were more than he had all season and the Falcons will need more of that from him if they are to win some games this year. Brett Hartung also had a big week for the Falcons. He scored in all three games, including the game tying goal against Clarkson on Saturday.

Holy Cross – The Crusaders, in their only game of the week, were left with a sour taste in their mouth. After falling behind twice and coming back to tie the game twice, they were unable to the third time. Two third period goals doomed the Crusaders, falling 4-2 to UConn. Adam Schmidt continued his hot start to the season, scoring his fourth goal in four games.  Rob Linsmayer picked up his second assist on the Crusaders’ second goal, but it is only his second point of the season. With conference play going into full swing this weekend, the Crusaders’ are going to need more from Linsmayer

Mercyhurst – Mercyhurst had an huge undefeated weekend. The Lakers beat ECAC foe Cornell and RIT. The Lakers traveled to Lynah Rink and came out on top against Cornell. The Lakers had a lead until midway through the third period when Cornell took a one-goal lead. But Paul Chiasson and Nardo Nagtzaam brought the Lakers back. Nagtzaam, a freshmen, scored the game-winner, his second of the game. The two goals were the first of his career. Nagtzaam has made an impact in his first season. In four games, he has two goals and two assists.

Niagara – The Purple Eagles had a weekend against the ECAC. The Purple Eagles split a home and home series with Colgate, with each team winning on the road. Niagara was led by it’s sophomore tandem of Scott Arnold and Ryan Rashid. Arnold and Rashid both made big impacts their freshmen year and are picking up right where they left off. Arnold (7 points) and Rashid (6 points) are leading the Purple Eagles in points and goals with three a piece. While the duo have been on a roll to start the season, they will need to keep it up as conference play begins.

RIT – The Tigers’ struggles continued as they lost their third straight game, 2-1 to Mercyhurst. RIT is still without the services of Shane Madolora, who was suspended for an eligibility infraction. Madolora’s suspension was extended to five games and will not be able to return until Nov. 11. The Tigers have been outscored 10-2 during their losing streak. The Tigers play their next six games at home and things need to turn around soon.

Robert Morris – Brooks Ostergard and Eric Levine have split time in the Colonials’ net this season. And that trend continued this weekend with each goaltender getting a start. But neither could do much to help the Colonials as they got swept by Michigan State. Furman South scored his first goal of the season but other than that, it was a very bleak weekend for the Colonials.

Sacred Heart – The Pioneers continue to be in search of the elusive first win of the season. The Pioneers surrendered four goals in the second period, including two shorthanded eight seconds apart. The Pioneers responded with three goals in the third period, but it was too late. Brian Sheehan scored twice for Sacred Heart, his second straight two goal game and third straight game with at least one point. But the Pioneers can’t keep the puck out of the net, averaging 6.17 goals against.

Army had a bye week and returns to ice on Friday and Saturday for a weekend series at RIT.

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - 5:19 pm | Atlantic Hockey