While it was unclear if the netminder did so because of injury, it would have also been understandable if frustration had played a role in his decision.

Because in less than 30 minutes of game action, the Jayhawks had dominated, scoring six goals, including the last two that came 17 seconds apart and resulted in the Pioneers’ personnel change between the pipes.

For Jamestown CC head coach Tommy Gerace, it was just the kind of start he had hoped for, as the Jayhawks jumped out to an 8-0 lead en route to a 9-4 Upstate New York Collegiate Hockey League victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Northwest Arena.

The stat sheet showed a balanced attack.

OBSERVER Photo by Scott Kindberg Jamestown Community College’s Cooper Bergman battles for position with an Alfred State player during the Jayhawks’ season-opening hockey game against Alfred State at Northwest Arena in Jamestown. Jamestown CC won 9-4.

Cooper Bergman, Noah Kellogg and Meyer Talbett scored two goals apiece, while Cole Mazzurco, Garret Greaves and Bergen Nelson added one apiece. Credited with assists were Malik Powell with three; Bergman and Garrett Greaves with two apiece; and Kellogg, James-Anthony Roch, Coleson Barber and Christian Greaves all with one. Roch was the winning netminder.

With a roster that includes 15 locals and seven from outside the area, including Quebec native Roch, Gerace has expanded his recruiting reach while continuing to provide an entertaining, fast-paced style.

“One point of emphasis from last year to this year was utilizing this atmosphere to our advantage,” Gerace said. “We did not do that last year (when they finished 10-10). We had too many butterflies and jitters.”

No such problem Saturday night.

In fact, it took Bergman, who hails from nearby Panama, all of 31 seconds to find the back of the net on an assist from Kellogg, an Olean native.

“Starting out on the right foot was important,” Gerace said. “Getting that first goal is momentum and it snowballs, and that’s what we got tonight.”

But beyond the numbers, the evening confirmed what Gerace had envisioned when he took the job before the 2024-25 season has now become a reality. Born into a family that lives and breathes hockey, he is doing his best to make game nights a must-see event, even for the casual fan.

So far, so good.

“Obviously, we’re looking to bring the energy and competitiveness of higher-level college hockey, and last year was a great first step, and this first game is a glimpse into what I think will continue to grow for years to come,” Gerace said. “I want to bring this program as far as I can. I couldn’t ask for a better first game.”

The Jayhawks will be back in action at 7 p.m. this Saturday when they entertain Gannon University.