For the second consecutive year, the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II Army West Point Club Hockey team downed Navy’s ACHA Division I team.
In a lively setting for the first-ever Army-Navy hockey game at Tate Rink on Dec. 2, the Black Knights rolled over the Midshipmen, 6-2, to extend their winning streak to 10 games on the season. Army (13-2-2) was led by its top line of junior center Caleb Kaiser and wingers senior Mark Lehman and sophomore Charlie Aronov, who combined for four goals and nine points. Lehman collected his third hat trick on the season and now has a team-high 19 goals. Kaiser had a shorthanded goal and two assists, while Aronov had three helpers.
The Black Knights, who led 1-0 after the first period and 4-2 through two, also got goals from junior forward Jack Sexton and sophomore defenseman Bobby Staring. Freshman goalie Liam Monahan was outstanding in net, making 22 saves and improving to 11-2-2 in his young career. The Black Knights outshot the Midshipmen 36-24.
“The stage doesn’t get any bigger than that and our guys delivered with everything they had for 60 minutes," said Army captain Anthony Chambers, a junior defenseman. "I’m extremely proud of our team and the brotherhood we have built. Scoring first and having the lead throughout the game was a huge momentum builder and 'Mono’ (Monahan) stood on his head and showed how great of a goaltender he is.
"Hats off to Navy for a hard-fought battle. It’s always a pleasure going toe-to-toe with their Division I hockey team,” he added.
Army, the two-time defending Super East Collegiate Hockey League (SECHL) playoff champions, is perfect since falling 3-2 in overtime at Penn State on Oct. 8. The Black Knights next play Jan. 6 to begin a two-game non-conference series at Millersville (Pa.).
"It’s crucial that we carry this momentum into the second half of the season," Chambers said. "If we play the way we did against Navy we will be playing into late March (nationals).”
After the game, Army Club Hockey Coach Erik Batewell gave his thoughts on the season’s progress.
“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses. No shortcuts,” Batewell said. “I'm proud of this group of young men for their focus, efforts and unwavering commitment to one another day in and day out. This was a big step in our journey, but we've still got work to do to reach all our goals.”