SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario – The Concordia Wisconsin ACHA men's hockey team closed its Canadian road trip on Sunday afternoon with a spirited effort against Sault College. The Falcons battled back from a pair of deficits and capitalized on special teams opportunities, but the Cougars pulled away late to claim a 5-2 victory.
The Cougars struck first on Sunday, taking advantage of a power-play opportunity in the final minute of the opening period to carry a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
The Falcons wasted little time responding in the second period. Sophomore Dylan Pomillo (Oswego, Ill.) made the most of a five-on-three power play, firing a shot from the far circle into the back of the net in the opening minute of the period. Senior Rocco Cicirello (Mequon, Wis.) and junior Nolan O'Malley (Chicago, Ill.) picked up assists on the equalizer.
Sault regained the advantage just two minutes later, but the Falcons continued to fight.
Pomillo provided another spark for the Blue and White with his second goal of the afternoon. Once again working with a two-man advantage, Pomillo streaked down the ice and finished at the doorstep off a feed from O'Malley to even the contest at two. The assist marked O'Malley's second point of the period.
The back-and-forth battle continued as the Cougars capitalized on a five-on-three power play of their own late in the second period to reclaim the lead heading into the final frame.
Sault added to its advantage in the third period, converting on a two-on-one opportunity to extend the lead to 4-2.
The Falcons continued to battle in search of another comeback, but the Cougars sealed the contest with an empty-net goal in the closing period.
Despite facing consistent pressure, senior Austin Bartell (New Berlin, Wis.) stood tall between the pipes for Concordia, turning away 38 shots. The Cougars finished with a 43-23 advantage in shots on goal.
Pomillo paced the Falcons' offensive efforts with a pair of power-play goals, while O'Malley collected two assists. The Blue and White made their opportunities count on the man advantage, scoring both goals while enjoying a two-skater advantage.
The Falcons will look to turn the page and return to the win column on Friday when they face St. Thomas.
