ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Matt Fairchild scored two goals to lead top-seeded Air Force to a 3-0 win over fourth-seeded Bentley in the Atlantic Hockey Association semifinals Friday.
With the win, Air Force (26-10-2) advances to the championship game for the third straight season. Air Force on Saturday will play Mercyhurst, which defeated Rochester Tech 5-4 in overtime in Friday’s other semifinal game.
Josh Frider scored one goal and Andrew Volkening made 26 saves for Air Force, which improves to 10-1 all-time in the AHA tournament.
Kyle Rank blocked 23 shots for Bentley (19-17-2).
Bentley was 0-for-4 on the power play, while Air Force was 2-for-7.
Air Force’s 26 wins are the most in school history, passing the previous mark of 25 set in 1971-72.
Friday’s win sets up a rematch of last season’s AHA championship game, when Air Force beat Mercyhurst 5-4 in double overtime. The winner of Saturday’s game earns an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.
