Box Score

ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's ice hockey team defeated No. 9 Utica College 5-2 in an ECAC West semifinal match-up.

Jordan Zalba had a goal and an assist for the Knights. Ross MacKinnon made 27 saves in net.

Evan Smith made 41 saves in net for the Pioneers.

Utica struck first at the 12:05 mark of the first period as John Gaffney scored. Jake Kratz tied the game at one at the 16:59 mark, off an assist from Bill Foster.

Marlon Gardner would put Neumann ahead with a power play goal 2:19 into the second period. Zalba would then net his goal, the eventual game-winner, on the power play at the 10:50 mark. Trever Hertz got Utica back to with one, 3-2, with 3:28 left in the second period.

In the third period, Harley Garrioch gave the Knights a two goal cushion with 2:47 left in regulation. David Gervias then sealed the win with an empty net goal with 1:16 left in the game.

Neumann improves to 14-7-5 overall and advances to the ECAC West Championship against Elmira College next weekend. Utica is now 17-8-1.