NIAGARA, N.Y.-  The Sacred Heart University men's ice hockey team kicked off the new year in style as SHU defeated Air Force in overtime by a final score of 4-3.

Records:

Air Force: 0-6-1, 0-6-1 AHA

Sacred Heart: 2-3-0, 2-1-0 AHA

Top Performers:

Braeden Tuck (SHU): 1 goal (Game-Winner OT), 1 assist 

Marc Johnstone (SHU): 1 goal, 1 assist

Josh Benson (SHU): 33 saves, 3 goals allowed

Goaltenders:

Josh Benson (SHU): (W, 2-2-0, 33 saves, 3 goals)

Zack LaRocque (AF): (L, 0-5-1, 23 saves, 4 goals)

Up Next: 

The Pioneers will return to action on Saturday when SHU hosts LIU at Webster Bank Arena. Puck-drop is set for 5:05 p.m.

Of Note:

• After a scoreless opening period, the goals starting falling as a total of four goals were scored three tallied by the Pioneers.
• Grant Anderson scored his first career goal to even the score at 1-1 at 7:05 in the second period.
• First-year Cody Hoban notched his first assist as a Pioneer.
• Senior Marc Johnstone tallied his first points of the year with a goal and assist for a two-point evening.
• A pair of goals including a last blow by Air Force in the third period sent the game into overtime.
• The hero of the night would be sophomore Braeden Tuck as he nailed the game winner 3:01 into overtime to give the Pioneers the 4-3 victory.
• Junior Josh Benson earned his second win of the year with 33 saves.