Brockport drops season opener

The SUNY Brockport men's ice hockey team opened its 2026-27 season on Friday night, falling to Stevenson University, 4-2, at home. The Golden Eagles battled back with two third-period goals, but Stevenson answered with an empty-net goal late in regulation to secure the victory.

Brockport and Stevenson played a competitive opening two periods, with the Mustangs holding a narrow 1-0 advantage heading into the final frame. Stevenson struck first at 3:01 of the opening period when Jack Day scored off an assist from Keenan Schneider.

Both teams remained scoreless throughout the second period, as Brockport looked to find an equalizer heading into the third.

Stevenson extended its lead early in the third period, with Kasper Pohjala scoring at 4:33 off assists from Day and Logan Gallagher. Less than a minute later, Carson Galin capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, scoring at 5:27 to give the Mustangs a 3-0 advantage.

The Golden Eagles responded at 8:37 when Brennan Green found the back of the net for Brockport's first goal of the season. Spencer Flansburg and Jacob Gates recorded assists on the play, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Brockport continued to apply pressure and earned a power-play opportunity late in the period. Manny Sanchez converted at 14:10, finishing a play set up by Nick Reif and Kyle Kussmann to bring the Golden Eagles within one at 3-2.

With momentum building, Brockport pulled its goaltender in the final minutes in search of the equalizer. However, Stevenson sealed the result at 18:32 when Makai Tarjamo scored into the empty net, securing the 4-2 win for the Mustangs.

Brockport Standouts

- Manny Sanchez: Scored Brockport's power-play goal and won 15 faceoffs (15-4).
- Brennan Green: Recorded Brockport's first goal of the season and his first of the season 
- Jacob Gates: Recorded an assist on Green's third-period goal.
- Spencer Flansburg: Added an assist on Brockport's opening goal and recorded a blocked shot.
- Schuyler Flansburg: Led all Golden Eagles with four blocked shots
- David Filak: Made 26 saves in goal for the Golden Eagles.