Men’s D1 Hockey Splits Two-Game Series Against Maryville Saints

Over the weekend, the Flames Men’s Division I Hockey team split its two-game series against the Maryville Saints. In two very physical contests at the LaHaye Ice Center, the Flames defeated the Saints 4-0 in game one and fell short 3-2 in the second contest.
Heading into the series, Liberty continued its dominant start to the season. After an early home loss to Florida Gulf Coast, the Flames have won five of their last six matchups. In those six games, Liberty outscored its opponents 32-9.
On the other side, the Maryville Saints were looking to bounce back after a recent skid. Sitting at 5-2-1, the Saints were coming off their first two losses of the season, losing twice to the Ohio Bobcats Oct. 4 and 5.
With both teams eyeing a statement win, tensions were high in game one. Despite each side having solid starts, strong defensive stands from both teams limited the scoring. Nearly the entire first period passed before freshman forward Mac Ratzlaff connected on the first goal of the game.
Ratzlaff’s goal put the Flames up 1-0 heading into the break and gave the team a major momentum boost. Despite physical play from Maryville, Liberty capitalized twice in the second period.
With 8:12 remaining in the second period, freshman center Tucker Shields netted the team’s second goal of the game. After multiple power plays, the Flames controlled the puck for the remainder of the period.
During this time, freshman defenseman Michael Adamek connected on a deep shot for his first career goal. Adamek’s goal had the fans at the LaHaye Ice Center on their feet as Liberty led Maryville 3-0 heading into the break.
In the final period, freshman left wing Brad Barker netted the game’s final goal off a shot initially blocked by Maryville’s defense. With the game now in hand, the Flames rolled to their seventh win of the season, beating Maryville 4-0.
Maryville refused to fall in a similar performance on Saturday and came out of the gates with a vengeance.
Following multiple missed opportunities for the Flames, Maryville scored the first goal of the night off a highlight shot from Saints forward Chad McIlwain. Not long after, the Saints scored again on a putback shot from left wing Cameron Ware.
Rattled by the strong start from Maryville, Liberty entered the first break down 2-0.
Despite a strong defensive stand against a Maryville power play, the Flames let up a third goal midway through the second period after a blazing score by right wing Max Wagener. Now down 3-0 heading into the final period, Liberty needed to act quickly to stay in the game.

Photo by Noah Seidlitz | @noahsdslr
With 10 minutes left in the contest, Handy called a time-out, hoping to give his team some momentum. Seconds later, junior defenseman Laz Kaebel finally connected on the Flames’ first goal of the game.
The goal energized the previously quiet crowd at the LaHaye Ice Center. Now down two with minutes remaining, the Flames needed a strong offensive finish to remain in the game.
Off a missed shot from senior forward Jacob Kalandyk, junior forward Sam Feamster cut Maryville’s lead to one. With four minutes left in the match, Liberty needed one point to tie the game.
Crowd members at the LaHaye Ice Center stood on their feet, praying for a miracle finish from the Flames. However, a penalty on Feamster allowed Maryville to control the possession of the puck and burn valuable time off the clock on the power play, and after multiple opportunities to tie the game, time ran out on the Flames. Maryville held on to beat Liberty 3-2.
Following the game, Handy emphasized the importance of playing the game at their own pace.
“We just have to play the way that we did in the last two periods yesterday and in the third period today,” Handy said. “That’s the recipe for success.”
Despite the loss, Handy expressed confidence in the Flames’ upcoming matchup this weekend. Liberty is set to take on Stony Brook University Oct. 25 and 26 in a pivotal two-game series at the LaHaye Ice Center.
Garrett is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion.