March 1, 2025

Lakers Advance to SUNYAC Men's Ice Hockey Finals After Win Against Buffalo State

Buffalo State

16-11-0

Oswego

15-8-3

Final

Buffalo State 16-11-0

Oswego 15-8-3

Oswego Sports Information Department

OSWEGO, NY - The Lakers hosted the Buffalo State Bengals tonight for the SUNYAC Semi-finals, where they brought their energy and momentum to outshine the Bengals in their fight for a spot in the finals. After maintaining offensive possession for a majority of the game, the Lakers won 5-2.

THE BASICS

Oswego 5

Buffalo 2

Location: Deborah F. Stanley Arena / SUNY Oswego / Oswego, NY

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Lakers hit the ice with high energy, controlling much of the offensive play in the opening period. Just under three minutes in, Oswego unleashed a flurry of six consecutive shots on goal, but Buffalo's goalie held firm to keep the game scoreless. The Lakers maintained pressure with crisp passing and well-timed setups, while the Bengals stayed locked in on defense. Buffalo managed a breakaway at 8:34 but sent the puck too high, missing their opportunity. Oswego countered quickly with another offensive push, firing off three more shots that failed to find the net. With just over six minutes left, a Bengals skater broke free following an Oswego faceoff, setting up a one-on-one chance against Lakers goaltender Brandon Milberg. However, Milberg came up with a clutch save to keep the Bengals off the board. The period concluded 0-0, with Oswego outshooting Buffalo 31-11, including 17 shots on goal to Buffalo's seven.

The intensity carried over into the second period as both teams kept up their momentum. Oswego came out firing, launching four shots within the first four minutes but still struggling to break through. Buffalo capitalized on a breakaway just before the 14-minute mark, slipping one past Lakers goaltender to take a 1-0 lead. Oswego wasted no time responding—off the ensuing faceoff, Brandon Cohen fired a well-placed shot into the net, assisted by Travis Baker, to even the score at 1-1. The game's pace intensified, and Oswego took control. At 8:37, Cohen struck again, this time off a feed from Daniel Colabufo, giving the Lakers a 2-1 advantage. As Oswego continued pressing offensively, Buffalo tightened its defense, trying to prevent the Lakers from extending their lead. A slashing penalty against Oswego gave the Bengals a power play opportunity, but despite winning a faceoff and firing two quick shots, they couldn't beat Milberg. The Lakers successfully killed off the penalty, returning to full strength with under three minutes left. Oswego maintained its 2-1 lead heading into the locker room.

The teams hit the ice for the final period with the same relentless energy, knowing a spot in the SUNYAC finals was on the line. Possession was more balanced as the puck moved swiftly up and down the ice. With 14 minutes remaining, Matt McQuade won a faceoff and pushed the puck up the ice, setting up Drake Semrad for a perfectly placed shot past the goalie to extend Oswego's lead to 3-1. Buffalo fought to cut into the deficit, applying heavy pressure near the Lakers' net, but Brandon Milberg stood strong with key saves to maintain the lead. At the 11-minute mark, Oswego struck again—Daniel Colabufo buried a shot off assists from Connor Gatto and McQuade, making it 4-1. A slashing penalty sent a Laker to the box, giving Buffalo a power play. The Bengals pulled their goalie for an extra skater and, after a flurry of blocked attempts, finally broke through to make it 4-2. Once back at full strength, Oswego remained composed as Buffalo once again pulled its goalie in a last-ditch effort. This time, the Lakers took advantage—Ryan Burke capitalized on the empty net with an assist from Connor Vassallo, sealing a 5-2 victory. With the win, Oswego advances to the SUNYAC finals.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Lakers have secured their spot in the SUNYAC finals match set to take place next Saturday, March 8th. The Game will be at Home but time has yet to be determined.