Comeback bid falls short as Chargers settle for split

Mike Anderson, UAH Sports Information

	Tyler Hilbert

The Chargers' had another come from behind task in front of them Saturday afternoon, but their bid at their sixth straight win fell short as Niagara took a 4-3 decision to earn a series split in College Hockey America play.

UAH fell behind quickly, as Niagara's Dan Sullivan scored his first of the year just 20 seconds into the game. Matt Caruana followed it up with a power play measure four minutes later to push the first period score to 2-0. Caruana followed it up with another man-advantage goal in the second period, his eighth of the season.

Facing a three-goal deficit to make up, the Chargers' came alive, as sophomore Derek Conter (Toronto), who has seen limited action this year, netted his second goal of the season from Kevin Galerno (Ayr, Ont.) and Denny Reagan (St. Louis) to cut the lead to 3-1 after two periods.

Tyler Hilbert (Okotoks, Alb.), stepping up to the third line with Dominik Rozman a scratch, registered his third goal of the year just two minutes into the third frame to cut the deficit to just a goal. A Josh Murray (Terrace, B.C.) holding penalty would seal the fate of the Chargers, as Randy Harris scored on the ensuing power play to make it a 4-2 game. Steve Canter (St. Louis) added an even strength goal to put it back to a one-goal game, but the Chargers failed to get over the hump in the game's final six-and-a-half minutes and suffered the 4-3 defeat.

Scott Munroe (Moose Jaw, Sask.), the Chargers all-time saves leader, had 28 saves on 32 shots in the loss, dropping his record to 10-6-1. Jeff Van Nynatten stopped 42 shots in the win. The Chargers fell to 7-3-0 in the CHA standings, and 11-8-1 overall.

UAH hits the road again next weekend to take on CHA foe Wayne State Friday and Saturday nights. They will return home Feb. 3 for a homecoming series against Bemidji State.

UAH-Niagara Box Score