UAH couldn’t withstand the attack of Cornell in the second and third periods in a 5-1 loss Friday night in Ithaca, N.Y.
UAH (1-4-0) had a feverish attack late in the first period thanks to plenty of power play opportunities, but Cornell (1-0-0) weathered the storm and took over the game.
UAH’s losing streak against non-conference opponents is now at 11 games.
Cornell scored the opening goal on the power play. Cam Knight went off for interference at 4:35, and only four seconds later, Alec McCrea scored as the puck went through a thick screen and past Jordan Uhelski.
UAH had extensive chances to score late in the first period as Cornell piled up some penalties.
Alex Rauter got a slashing call with 3:58 left, and then Noah Bauld checked Brennan Saulnier from behind into the boards. Bauld got a five-minute major and a game misconduct, giving the Chargers a two-man advantage.
The Chargers got many a shot on Cornell freshman goaltender Matthew Galajda, but could not break through. The Big Red killed off the Rauter penalty, but after Yanna Kaldis tripped Josh Kestner, UAH had another 5-on-3 opportunity to finish the first period.
UAH ended up with a 16-7 shots on goal advantage but found itself down 1-0 at intermission.
The Big Red killed off the Kaldis penalty and the major to start the second period, and then went on the attack.
When Christian Rajic went off for tripping, Cornell scored quickly on their ensuing power play again. Trevor Yates made it 2-0 with a goal just five minutes into the second.
Less than two minutes later, Morgan Barron made it 3-0 after putting in a rebound after a 2-on-1.
The Chargers’ best chance in the second period came when Tyler Poulsen, back after sitting out last week’s series finale at Michigan Tech, had a breakaway, but he ended up in the net instead of the puck after Galajda made the save.
UAH simply could not mount a comeback, getting only three shots on goal in the third period. Meanwhile, Jeff Malott added two goals in the third period for a 5-0 Cornell lead.
Brennan Saulnier prevented the shutout with his second goal of the season with 3:08 left in the game. Poulsen and Connor Merkley got the assists.
Uhelski finished the game with 26 saves. Galajda had 28.
Game two of the series is Saturday night at 6 p.m. Central Time. The game can be seen via subscription to the Ivy League Network.