Rick Bennett becomes Union hockey’s winningest coach in victory over Niagara

NIAGARA FALLS– Another night of explosive offense was on the ice for Union College, as the Dutchmen defeated Niagara, 5-1, on Saturday night at Dwyer Arena. The win is the 139th for head coach Rick Bennet, making him the winningest men’s hockey coach in Union’s Division I history.

With the win, Union completes the weekend sweep having beat RIT the night before, 6-1, and improves to 2-5-0 on the season.

Senior captain Ryan Scarfo scored twice and now leads the Dutchmen with seven points on the year. In all, four different Dutchmen scored goals, including a career first for Jack Adams. Eight total skaters recorded points, including two-point nights from Scarfo, Adams, and Vas Kolias.

Adams, a first-year forward from Boxford, MA, scored his first collegiate goal just 36 seconds into the game, giving Union the early lead on the game’s first shot.

Despite the early goal, Niagara would keep Union from further scoring during the first period. However, in the second period, the Dutchmen piled on the goals.

Scarfo scored his first of the game, banging home a rebound during a power play midway through the period. Brendan Taylor then added his second of the weekend at 13:40 mark to put Union up 3-0.

The Purple Eagles got on the score board in the final two minutes of the period with their own power-play goal, but Greg Campbell scored for Union 30 seconds later to gain back the three-goal lead.

In the third period, Scarfo scored his second of the game, receiving an assist from Adams to cap off Union’s offense.

First-year goaltender Darion Hanson got the nod again and made 23 saves for his second career win.

The Dutchmen return to Messa Rink to host RPI on Friday, Oct. 27. The cross-town rivalry is set to begin at 7 p.m. (ET).