DII Flames split series with national runner-up RedHawks, host Northeastern next

Friday, October 25

Lynchburg, VA

10:15 PM

Liberty University Club Sports

Miami University (OH)

Junior forward Thomas Kayner (18) played in four games over the weekend, two with the DI team and two with the DII squad, scoring the equalizer in Friday's opening win over Miami (Ohio) University. (Photo by Ryan Anderson)

DII Flames split series with national runner-up RedHawks, host Northeastern next

10/29/2024 2:35:00 PM | Men's D2 Hockey

Liberty rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to win Friday night's opener against undfeated Miami (Ohio) before allowing the RedHawks (8-0-1) to win another defensive battle in Saturday's rematch.

Liberty University's ACHA Division II men's hockey team rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits before defeating national runner-up Miami (Ohio) University 3-2 in a shootout late Friday night at the LaHaye Ice Center before allowing the RedHawks to salvage a series split by winning Saturday afternoon's rematch, 3-1.

The Flames (7-3-1) tied Friday night's opener on a shot by Thomas Kayner through the slot off assists from senior forward Jared Matley and fellow junior forward Mark Padgett with 17:24 remaining in the second period.

After Miami (8-0-1) reclaimed the lead on a power-play goal by leading scorer Michael McCormick on a shot from the right point with 16:43 remaining in regulation, Matley netted the equalizer with a one-timer in the right circle with 7:31 to play, capitalizing off assists from freshman forward Anthony Emme and graduate defenseman Dylan Kent.

The game went to overtime for five minutes of 3-on-3 play and when neither team scored, a shootout was required to determine a winner. Senior goalie Lane Skon (40 saves) stopped all three RedHawks attempts, using his right shoulder to block one shot by McCormick before a final try by Colin Hartwell hit the right post. Padgett converted the Flames' second attempt for a backhanded game winner.

In Saturday's rematch, Padgett netted the Flames' only goal with 23 seconds remaining in the second period to bring them back within 2-1 off assists from Macguire Graham and Kent. However, McCormick netted an insurance goal for the RedHawks with 3:25 remaining in regulation. Miami outshot Liberty 39-36, and Flames sophomore goalie Christian Sehlke made 36 saves in the setback, his first in seven career starts.

Liberty will return to action this weekend when it hosts Northeastern (4-1-2) on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Videos edited by Cody Ware and Patrick Strawn/Club Sports Director of Video & Media