When the State University of New York Athletic Conference Tournament began, who thought the Plattsburgh State men's hockey team would be at home for the finals?
But, that's how everything worked out Saturday night.
Ryan Craig's overtime goal lifted the fourth-seeded Cardinals to a 3-2 victory over second-seeded Geneseo, while six-seeded Fredonia pulled out a 2-1 overtime win over top-seeded and top-ranked Oswego in the tournament semifinals.
As a result, the Cardinals will host Fredonia in the finals on Saturday at 7 p.m.
"You can only worry about yourself and the present," said Plattsburgh State head coach Bob Emery. "I didn't know what else was going to happen tonight.
"All I know is that there was a lot at stake for us, with a possible NCAA Tournament berth on the line. We were playing for our lives."
It was the second overtime win in as many games for Plattsburgh State, which skated to a home win over Morrisville in the quarterfinals.
"These type of games take a lot out of you," said Emery. "But, they are more fun when you win."
Saturday's game was tied, at 1-all, entering the third period when Dylan Clarke's power-play goal gave the Cardinals the lead at the 5:36 mark.
Plattsburgh State (19-7-1) withstood Geneseo's pressure until only 1:09 was left in regulation. That's when Ryan Bulach scored on a rebound for the Knights (16-8-2) to force overtime.
Both teams had their chances in the extra session before Craig tallied the game-winner at the 17:47 mark.
"It would have been easy for us to lose the momentum after giving up the late goal," said Emery. "But, we came out for the overtime with great leadership and emotion. We really took it to them.
"When they tied it, we were caught out there too long."
Danny Scagnelli's power-play goal in the final minute of the first period gave Geneseo a 1-0 lead.
Plattsburgh State, however, tied it in the second on Vick Schlueter's goal at 6:33.
The Knights held a 39-37 shot advantage and Josh Leis had a big game in goal for the Cardinals, stopping 37 of 39 shots. Cory Gershon made 34 saves for the Knights.
"We got great goaltending and good defense," said Emery. "Josh can play as well as anyone when he stays focused. We got better as a team as the game went on.
"Our conditioning also showed. We still had some defensive lapses, however, and we had some neutral zone turnovers in the second when we didn't play our style of hockey."
In Fredonia's upset of Oswego, Ben Waldman scored the game-winning goal at 11:34 of overtime and Mark Friesen stopped 43 of 44 Laker shots in net for the Blue Devils.
"I'm happy we're playing for the SUNYAC championship again in front of the best fans in Division III," said Emery.
"But, being home doesn't guarantee a win."
