By Kent State Hockey · Kent State University's ACHA Division 1 hockey team bounced back Saturday night with a 4-2 victory over Western Michigan University at the Kent State…
Kent State University's ACHA Division 1 hockey team bounced back Saturday night with a 4-2 victory over Western Michigan University at the Kent State Ice Arena. The win came after Friday night's scheduled contest was canceled due to unsafe ice conditions, leaving the Golden Flashes with just one game on the weekend.
Western Michigan opened the scoring just 2:24 into the first period, but Kent State responded quickly. Drew Jarkowsky tied the game less than two minutes later, with an assist from Jules Jardine. Cole Bianchini gave the Golden Flashes the lead at the 9:13 mark, assisted by Brady Hall, sending Kent State into the first intermission with a 2-1 advantage.
The Golden Flashes extended their lead in the second period when TJ Avellino scored at 6:01, with Jardine picking up his second assist of the night. Just minutes later, Kent State added another goal from an unexpected contributor. Bodin Loera, called up from Kent State's ACHA Division 3 program, scored his first goal in his Division 1 debut, with assists from Chaseton Sieling and Bryson Miller. The goal extended Kent State's lead to 4-1 heading into the final period.
With Friday's cancellation, Kent State took the opportunity to split Saturday's goaltending duties between its two freshmen. Preston Farr earned his first collegiate start and victory, making 18 saves before giving way to Gleb Rakov midway through the second period. Rakov, who was celebrating his birthday Saturday, finished the contest with 18 saves of his own.
Western Michigan added a goal midway through the third period, but Kent State maintained control of its lead to secure the 4-2 victory.
The win provided several memorable moments for the Golden Flashes, including Loera's successful transition from the D3 program and valuable game experience for both freshman goaltenders.
Kent State will return to College Hockey Mid-America (CHMA) conference play next weekend, hosting Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) for a single home game at the Kent State Ice Arena.