Photo Credit- Mady Salvani – Army West Point Athletics

Coach Brian Riley was blunt about the challenge this weekend on the road against Holy Cross presented. His team overcame every obstacle on the way to a road sweep, earning all six points up for grabs. He said “ I knew this weekend was going to be a battle and will challenge you to outwork them, in a rink where there’s not a lot of room, our guys battled all week, it’s a great weekend for our group.”

Army West Point has moved to third in Atlantic Hockey standings which would give them a quarterfinal series and a first round bye.

Of the weekend that Colin Bilek had scoring three goals in two games Riley said of Bilek’s trajectory going up and up, “ That’s the first thing I thought of, ‘watch out.’”

He added that Bilek is on track now and gives our group confidence.”

On the night of Massachusetts native Hunter McCoy who scored the game winner, Riley said, “ to be able to play in front of his family and friends was exciting for him, the rink shoots his game, if he could get a puck on this stick he could be really dangerous. That’s what he did on the game winning goal.”

On McCoy growing his role as a plebe “ its been perseverance for him, when guys get the opportunity they make the most of it and he has.” On the night Riley said “ I thought we were able to possess the puck more.” His group took advantage of that.

Colin Bilek said on the goals from the weekend “ it’s just part of the game; when the waves come of you have to ride them, you’ve got to ride the highs and the lows… that’s just how hockey goes. I’m just trying to focus on enjoying myself when I’m out there.”

On Hunter’s growth Bilek added “Hunter has been incredibly patient.” Bilek praised McCoys energy on the bench and what he brings to the group. “

Bilek also talked about Gavin Abric who put up 75 saves on the weekend and makes Bilek work just as hard as Trevin Kozlowski had done in practice, “Sometimes he makes me feel like I forgot how to shoot the puck.”

For Hunter McCoy he said of his goal “I was in a good spot in a right time, it felt pretty good to get that one there.”

“I kind of feel like I’ve earned it.” He said of the increased time on the top six.

On how Bilek has helped him McCoy added of what has helped him the most “Being able to watch him every day, see his work ethic.” They were roommates on the the trip this past weekend. “He’s been one of the best leaders I’ve been around.”

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