The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Chargers had a rough start to their home opener Friday night against the Lake Superior State University Lakers. The Lakers took an early lead just 1:03 into the game and would never surrender it as the Chargers fell 6-3 in their first home game of the season.
In the loss, UAH fell to 2-3-1 on the season, but still maintains a winning record of 2-1-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) play. They will compete against the Lakers again on Saturday night at Propst Arena inside the Von Braun Center.
Even though the Chargers fell behind 2-0 in the first period, UAH fought back near the end of it and carried the momentum into the second period. Right winger, and Huntsville native, Josh Kestner notched his first goal of the season for UAH at 3:34 of the second, and it looked as if the Chargers were back in the game. Unfortunately, the Lakers fired back with four unanswered goals, including a short-handed goal, all in the second period.
The second period began with goaltender Jordan Uhelski replacing Matt Larose in net; Uhelski would not give up a goal in his lone period of play. UAH showed some more fight and won the third period by scoring two more goals (Larson and Salerno), bringing the score to 6-3. The big story of the third period however, was an extended powerplay for the Chargers which included time with a two-man advantage. UAH couldn’t convert on the opportunity, which could have been a tremendous opportunity to get back into the game.
Following the loss, we speak with Josh Kestner (1G-1A), John Teets (first career points, an assist) and head coach Mike Corbett.
