Oct. 27, 2006

From Army Athletics

TAMPA, Fla. (www.goarmysports.com)- No. 12 Notre Dame defeated Army, 3-0, in a first-round contest Friday night in front of 6,772 fans at the first annual Lightning College Hockey Classic at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla.

Air Force topped Alabama-Huntsville, 7-5, in the other first-round tilt of the four-team tournament. The Falcons (3-4-0) will face Notre Dame (4-1-0) Saturday night at 8 p.m. in the championship game of the Lightning College Hockey Classic, while Army (3-1-1) takes on UAH (1-5-1) in the consolation match at 5 p.m.

Ryan Thang scored a power play goal midway through the first period to put the Irish on top first. Notre Dame dictated much of the pace during the first 20 minutes, holding a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal. However, Army goalie Josh Kassel turned aside all attempts for the exception of Thang's power play tally.

Christian Hanson doubled the Irish's lead with just under three minutes remaining in the second period when he wrested a shot over Kassel's shoulder into the left-hand corner of the net.

Army was outshot in the contest 30-7.

Kassel registered 27 saves, including Irish forward Kevin Deeth's penalty shot attempt with 13:44 left in the game. It was the sophomore netminder's first career loss. Jordan Pearce made seven saves to pick up the win and the shutout for Notre Dame.