The Kent State Hockey team took on Northern Illinois at Canlan Ice Sports Arena, winning 8-2 in the first match and 4-3 in the second.

The Flashes are 2-0, while Northern Illinois is 0-2.

Coach Zach Nowak explained that there were three main focuses coming into the weekend’s games.

“Outnumber pucks in the defensive zone, have quick transitions, and to be a shooter,” he said. “A team that enjoys working and finding solutions together is the major key to having a successful season this year.”

GAME 1:

Freshman defenseman Nick Falkowski, freshman forward Bryson Miller, and senior forward Kyle Backston scored, ending the first period 3-1 KSU. 

These were the first goals for Miller and Falkowski at Kent State.

Defenseman sophomores Gabe Lucchessi and Brian Odstrchel scored in the second period, making the score 5-1.

Then freshman forward Mathew Parker locked in a goal, making the score 6-1. 

These would also be Lucchessi, Parker, and Odstrchel’s first goals as a member of the Flashes.

But KSU didn’t stop there.

To seal the win, freshman forward TJ Avelino scored his first Kent State goal, and junior forward Nick Krestan scored in the third period, making the final score 8-2. 

“Applying pressure and using everything to win pucks back is crucial when it comes to the defense. While we only scored 8, we had 50 shots on the game; we probably could have put out a few more,” said Nowak. “Shooting as much as possible and being really threatening with the shots, making sure we’re really hitting our targets is most important.”

GAME 2:

Although KSU struggled defensively in this game, they still succeeded with a final score of 4-3. 

Forward senior Jack Kinsman scored twice, ending the first period 2-1.

In the second period, freshman Bryson Miller and senior Tommy Kilway, both forwards, scored, making the end of period two 4-3. 

For the first time all weekend, both teams went scoreless during a period, locking up KSU’s fourth consecutive win. 

Nowak noticed key differences between the games his team played. 

“We weren’t as quick in transition, we were not as fast, and we tried to take care of our defensive end a little more this game,” he said.“The flow of the game was broken up due to lots of penalties as well.”

“We needed to make sure everyone is getting their time in as well. Switching up the players, trying to see who we had for the season.”

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Forward Senior Jack Kinsman and forward freshman Bryson Miller playing on the same line really helped lead the team this weekend offensively. 

Kinsman and Miller both had two goals and two assists in total for the weekend.

Jack is a newly appointed alternate captain this season. 

“This is Jack’s second year with us, but he’s always been a leader with his voice,” Nowak said.

UP NEXT:

Kent State will now play Rochester University Friday and Saturday for the home opener at Kent State Ice Arena. 

The puck will drop at 8:30 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday. 

Epiphany Graham is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].