Box Score

ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's ice hockey team opened its 2009-10 season Friday evening with a 6-2 win over Geneseo in a non-conference match.

Before the game, Neumann unveiled its 2009 National Championship Banner. Some of the graduated seniors from the 2008-09 season were on hand to pull the string: Joe Dolan, John Giocobbo, Ryan Heickert and Jordan Erikson. There was also a ceremonial puck dropping by Len Schuler, Associate Athletic Director for Neumann University.

Marlon Gardner and Matt Valois each scored two goals for the Knights. Matt Ward and David Gervais also scored for Neumann. 

Gardner opened the scoring in the first period on a power play off an assist from Jeremy Gates.  

Geneseo tied the game at one mid-way through the second period, also on a power play. Ward put the Knights back on top with a goal at the 13:39 mark of the second, but the Geneseo Knights tied the game, again on the power play, with five minutes remaining in the second. 

Neumann scored four goals in the third period to take the win. The Knights jumped back on top just 44 seconds in to third period as Valois scored off assists from Bill Foster and Jordan Zalba. Gardner scored his second goal of the game at the 9:52 mark. Gervais notched his first collegiate goal just over a minute later. Valois sealed the Knights win with his second goal with 14 seconds left on the clock.

Ross MacKinnon made 18 saves in net as Neumann opens 1-0 for the season. The two teams will meet back on the ice tomorrow afternoon beginning at 4 p.m.