PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The Plattsburgh State Cardinals men's hockey team faced a challenging opening weekend of conference play, dropping back-to-back games against nationally ranked opponents at Oswego and Hobart. Returning home, the Cardinals aimed to reset against the Mustangs of Morrisville, a side they defeated three times last year and had lost to only once in 36 all-time meetings.

The Cardinals struck first just three minutes into the opening period on a goal that showcased their persistence in front of the net. Senior Lonan Bulger (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories) fired a long-range shot that was initially stopped, and the rebound came to first-year Alexandro Moliner (Delson, Quebec), whose attempt was also denied. Junior Aaron Catron (Middletown, Del.) stayed alert to the play and tucked home the loose puck to give Plattsburgh the early 1–0 lead.

That goal appeared to set the tone, but Morrisville responded late in the third period with two quick, unanswered tallies: Tyler Zembryzycki scored seven minutes in and Connor Santay added the insurance marker less than a minute later, leaving Plattsburgh with a tough 2–1 defeat. 

Despite a strong opening and an edge in shots and face-offs, the Cardinals were unable to sustain their pressure and allowed Morrisville to rally when it mattered most. First-year goaltender Brady Spry (Belleville, Ontario) made 24 saves, while Morrisville's Chad Lowe stopped 47 of 48 shots to pick up the win. 

The result drops Plattsburgh to 2–3–0 overall and 0–3–0 in conference play. The squad will look to bounce back quickly and regain momentum as they continue their conference schedule tomorrow at home against Cortland at 4 p.m.