Buffalo, N.Y. – Sophomore Steve Cameron scored his second career hat-trick to lead the Mercyhurst College men's hockey team past Canisius, 4-1, in an Atlantic Hockey contest Friday evening at the Buffalo State Sports Arena. The Lakers improve to 18-14-3 overall and 16-8-3 in conference play while the Golden Griffins fall to 14-13-6 on the season and 12-11-4 in AHA action.

Mercyhurst took control of the game through the first two periods of play, outshooting the Golden Griffins, 26-23, while building a 3-0 advantage.

Cameron gave the Lakers a 2-0 cushion with back-to-back goals just 2:44 apart in the first period. His 20th of the year came off a couple of assists from senior Matt Pierce and sophomore Scott Pitt at 9:07, while his 21st, the eventual game-winner, was an unassisted strike at 11:51.

Mercyhurst added to its lead midway through the second as junior Cody Collins notched his first of the season at the 10:52 mark. Sophomore Dan Bremner and junior Neil Graham picked up helpers on the play.

Neither team would find the back of the net until the final minutes of the third period. Canisius broke up the shutout bid with a marker from Scott Moser at 18:21 while Cameron completed his hat-trick on an empty-net tally at 19:08. Junior Matt Fennell and sophomore Ryan Zapolski were credited with assists on the score.

Zapolski finished the game with 30 saves, including 23 through the first two period, to earn his 15th win of the season.

Mercyhurst finished the game with a 37-31 advantage in shots and held the Golden Griffins scoreless on five extra-man chances. The Lakers were also shutout on five extra-man chances.

The Lakers close out the 2008-09 regular season on Saturday, Feb. 28 when Canisius visits the Mercyhurst Ice Center for a 7 p.m. contest.