What started as a weekend of excitement and anticipation ended in disappoint for the Army ACHA D2 hockey team. The Black Knights traveled to Annapolis to compete in the first-ever Commander-in-Chief’s trophy competition on ice, with games against Navy’s D2 squad and Air Force’s D3 team.

Game 1 between Air Force and Navy took place on Friday night, so Army should have benefitted from being the more rested team on Saturday against the Falcons. Unfortunately, it was Army who came out sluggish and flat-footed in their opening contest against Air Force.

The game remained close, with Air Force gaining a 3-2 edge in the third period. The Falcons then extended their lead on a power-play goal to go up 4-2. Army pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in an attempt to close the gap, but ultimately ceded an empty net goal to wrap up the game 5-2 in favor of Air Force.

Saturday set up to be a doubly big contest for Army, as the final game in the CIC tournament and also the lone Army/Navy hockey game of the season. The Black Knights came out firing and managed to break through first before the Midshipmen tied it up and then went ahead, 2-1. The second period was scoreless despite Army leading the shot count, 23-16.

Army finally struck back less than a minute into the third period to tie the game, 2-2. Navy fired back with two quick goals to take a 4-2 lead. Army pulled their goalie once again, and managed to pull within a goal, 4-3, with under two minutes left in the game. Despite a final barrage of shots, Navy managed to fend off the Black Knights to maintain their 4-3 lead.

Army ended the game with a 33-19 advantage in shots; however, Navy made the most of their power-play opportunities and when they had possession in Army’s zone. The Black Knights put it all out on the ice, but ultimately fell victim to just momentary lapses which Navy took advantage of.

Army has off this upcoming weekend, facing Central Connecticut and Sacred Heart on the 18th and 19th of October, respectively.