Photo credit: Boston College Athletic Communications

Head Coach Eric Lang was proud of the way his AIC group responded against Canisius. The focus and effort began early in the morning. Lang said “ I love the way we went about it. We challenged our group this morning. It was the toughest team meeting we have had in a number of years. The guys responded. They care they are invested and we have the potential to get this thing going. I like we had to do it with some adversity.I am extremely proud of our team.”

He also praised his team leadership group of players , saying “I like the angry version of our team today. We feel like we gave away 3 points the day before. Our leadership took ownership and that’s what it looks like.”

Today, AIC earned a tough 3-2 win over the Golden Griffins of Canisius. Unlike yesterday, they took advantage of special teams and momentum to generate looks. Their first goal came from Luka Maver, just after AIC killed off a power play, and as they were working to build toward a split. At near the end of the game Blake Bennett put home a breakaway to provide the game winning goal. The Golden Griffins battled but could not find the equalizer.

Assistant Coach Matthew Woodard talked about the game saying the following.

On the two misconducts that Chris Vanos-Shaw and Blake Bennett took.

“We will have to discuss with both of the players, but we never want our guys putting themselves in that position where emotion takes over.”Lang added of the penalties “Unnecessary. We are building trust as a team . Emotional players are players you want to avoid at the end of games.”

On the sterling 16 save performance from Alec Cavalruso,Woddard added the following “Alec has continued to pr in between the pipes. He stayed calmed when the Griffins put some pressure on us. Alec has put a lot work in on and off the ice. We are extremely happy that he has found his first win between the pipes as a Yellow Jacket.” Lang added “ AC has been awesome in every game he has played this season. He has put in the work and is certainly getting what he deserves. He’s building our trust. He’s very calm and composed in net and can make the big save. He got dinged up in the end of the game and without a doubt wants to stay in there and close it out. “

Woodard said “Effort was really good. Especially after a very tough loss yesterday. We knew it wasn’t going to pretty, but we knew the effort had to be there for us to have success today.”

On Bennett’s goal Woodard added, Blake is a goal scorer, there’s not many other guys I’d want in that position, great finish on a really good keeper.” Lang said “ Blake can score in his sleep. We know that about him. He has developed in his 5v5 play. Thus he’s playing more. He knows he has work to do.”

“ I thought after getting a major yesterday, our Captain Parker Revering bounced back and had an excellent 200ft game.” Parker added an assist and played a good bounce back game. Lang added “Luis Lidner was excellent. Brian Kramer looks back to himself. Jake Stella continues to be one of the top two way players in our league. Maver Riggs and Dodero were almost unstoppable today.”

Woodard added of the penalty kill, “the kill really struggled yesterday. Canisius has a dangerous power play, one of the best we’ve seen all year. To bounce back today with some good kills was huge, and to create offense right after a big kill always helps. That was a good finish by Maver. Lang praised the penalty kill’s work including the adjustments Woodward helped make to get the group going today.

Going forward, the group has UConn to prepare for in two weeks. Lang said “ Good time for a bye-week. They won’t hear much from me this week. Our UConn preparation has already begun.”

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