A prolonged slump has hit the Baldiwnsville ice hockey team, having dropped three consecutive games in January after it had gone 8-2 in the first half of the regular season.

The Bees were particularly hurt by last Tuesday’s game against Rome Free Academy at Kennedy Arena, a close, low-scoring affair most of the way before things turned in the Black Knights’ favor late, leading B’ville to a 4-1 defeat.

RFA came into the game 9-3, and netted the only goal of the first period. Trailing 1-0, the Bees clamped down on defense and blanked the Black Knights for a long stretch as Tommy Blais worked his way to 19 saves.

When Cam Sweeney, off feeds from Jamey Natoli and Parker Schroeder, tied it 1-1 in the second period, B’ville looked to be gaining control, especially when it was controlling the puck and getting more chances.

However, for the rest of the night the Bees were turned away as Black Knights netminder Isaiah Nebush made 28 saves and, inspired by his effort, RFA broke out in front in the third period and stayed there.

The four Black Knights goals came from four different players – Logan Dorfman, Danny Mecca, Kyle Lubey and Eli Dormino. Dorfman and Mecca also had assists.

Now the Bees headed to the Rochester area for Friday’s battle with state no. 5-ranked McQuaid, where B’ville did not get on the board in a 3-0 defeat to the Knights.

A game with Fairport last Saturday was postponed until this Thursday night at 5:30, after which it visits Whitesboro on Saturday afternoon.