OSWEGO, N.Y. -- The Oswego State men's ice hockey defense proved that it has the ability to shut teams down as it defeated Fredonia State 3-0 Saturday afternoon. 

The Lakers posted their first shutout since the 2008-09 season. They limited the Blue Devils to 17 shots and forced the power-play unit to go 0-for-7. 

Oswego State improved to 4-0-0 overall and 2-0-0 in the SUNYAC, while Fredonia State dropped to 1-3-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the league. 

Midway through the first period, Paul Rodrigues created a turnover deep in the Fredonia defensive zone before passing the puck to Chris Muise. Blue Devil goaltender Mark Friesen made a left pad save, but the rebound went right back to Muise's stick as he snuck the puck behind Friesen as his momentum carried him through the crease. 
 

Friesen was the story of the second period as he made several pivotal saves throughout the stanza to keep the Blue Devils in the contest. However, in the latter stages of the frame, Ian Boots benefited from a costly Blue Devil miscue behind the net. Boots attempted to pass in front to a teammate but the puck bounced off a Blue Devil and into the net for a 2-0 Laker lead at the 17:37 mark. 

Fredonia State had a couple chances in the final 20 minutes to cut into the lead as Oswego State committed several penalties, but the penalty kill unit stood strong. Friesen was pulled in the final minute, and Andrew Mather tacked on an empty-net goal with 0.9 seconds left in the game. 

Laker goalie Paul Beckwith earned his first career shutout by stopping 17 shots. Oswego State's last shutout came on February 14, 2009 when the Lakers defeated Geneseo 5-0 on the road. Friesen ended with 33 saves for the Blue Devils, who'll meet Buffalo State at 7 p.m. in the home opener at Steele Hall.   

The win was Oswego's 21st straight at home.