Buffalo, N.Y. – Despite unleashing 41 shots and scoring back-to-back goals just 71 seconds apart in the third period, the Mercyhurst College men's hockey team had to settle for a 2-2 tie against Atlantic Hockey rival Canisius Saturday afternoon in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Lakers, who move to 7-10-2 overall and 5-4-2 in AHA action, overcame a 2-0 deficit early in the third period. Sophomore Scott Pitt made the score 2-1 with a 5-on-3 power-play strike at the 2:30 mark followed by an even-strength tally from senior Matt Pierce at 3:41 to even the game at two. Senior Brett Robinson picked up the primary assist on the both goals, while sophomore Steve Cameron earned the secondary helper on Pierce's eighth goal in the past five games.

Mercyhurst fell behind early in the game as Canisius took a 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of scores from second-year forward Derek Danowski. Danowski gave the home team a 1-0 lead on a delayed-penalty goal late in the first period while stretching the advantage less than three minutes into the second.

With the exception of the early scores, sophomore Ryan Zapolski kept the Golden Griffins in check through the rest of the game with 29 saves. Couterpart Andrew Loewen registered 39 to earn the game's third star award.

Overall, Mercyhurst held a 41-31 edge in shots through 65 minutes of play, reeling off 15 in the first, 13 in the second, 12 in the third and one in overtime. The Lakers' special teams converted 1-for-6 with the extra man while shutting out Canisius on five chances.

The Lakers will have the next 20 days off before returning to the ice for a two-game series against Army on Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10. Saturday's game will be nationally televised on CBS College Sports.