In Bentley’s return to play following a long pause due to positive coronavirus test results within the program, the Falcons rode an early 3-0 lead to a comfortable 5-2 victory against Holy Cross on home ice. Taking advantage of two power-play situations, Bentley capitalized in the third period, converting both goals just over a minute apart. Junior Jakov Novak added to his total of five goals on the season with two quick finishes early in the first period, assisted by senior Luke Santerno.
The first night of back-to-back games proved more successful than the second, as Bentley split the weekend’s two-game series between Air Force. Head Coach Ryan Soderquist enjoyed his 250th career win after a chaotic third period consisting of seven goals. Bentley’s shared offensive approach has proved somewhat successful, with the all-important win supported by goals scored from six different skaters and ten players earning at least one point. Due to Bentley’s pause in activities in January followed by their short return, the team actually finished January with a record of 2-0. Unfortunately, February was not as welcoming, as the second game of the series resulted in Air Force’s first win of their season. A consequential overtime period capped off the tight affair as junior Fraser Kirk racked up 33 saves in the heartbreaking loss, taking one point as a consolation prize. The Falcons’ line of Hamblet/Santerno/Novak has continued to provide solid results, a combination that fans should expect to see more often down the stretch.
Fatigue and bad luck may have played a role in Bentley’s disappointing 4-0 loss to Sacred Heart, their third game in five days. Despite placing more shots on goal than Sacred Heart in total, the Falcons could not get one to cross the crucial red line and sound the buzzer and finished 0/3 on power play opportunities. Similarly, the rematch the day after proved to be just as daunting as Bentley dropped the series finale by a score of 4-2. The first period showed the Falcons’ defensive strength, allowing only three shots in the first 20 minutes, and the game appeared close heading into the third with the Pioneers holding onto a slim one goal margin. Unfortunately, Sacred Heart took advantage of a power play and an empty net to seal the deal. Bentley fell to 3-8 on the season and will look to end their winless start to February as well as their winless road record next weekend against Army.
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