Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst College men's hockey team concluded its 2008-09 regular season with a 4-3 overtime victory over Canisius on senior night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center Saturday evening. The Lakers finish their campaign with an overall record of 19-14-3 and the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Atlantic Hockey postseason tournament thanks to a mark of 17-8-3 in conference play.

Despite getting outshot, 14-3, through the first 10 minutes of play, Mercyhurst jumped out to a 2-0 lead on its first two shots of the game. Junior Neil Graham gave the home team a 1-0 lead when he sent a shot over the shoulder of Dan Morrison just 36 seconds into the contest.

The Lakers then increased their advantage to two on a rare short-handed goal by senior Matt Pierce. Pierce became just the second player in Division I men's hockey to score on a six-on-four opportunity this season when he accomplished the feat with a rifle from the right circle at 16:31.

The Golden Griffins matched Pierce's effort with a short-handed goal of their own, as Cory Conchar took a pass from Jason Weeks and beat senior Matt Lundin with three seconds remaining in the period.

After the intermission, both team exchanged goals to take a 3-2 score into the third. Junior Cody Collins netted his second marker of the season at 6:52 while Adam Brace answered back on the power-play at 9:21.

Canisius eventually tied the game late in the third period. On the power-play, Dave Kostuch gave the Golden Griffins new life when he knocked a puck past Lundin at the 18:21 mark.

Junior Chris Risi would spoil the Golden Griffins' comeback in extra-time, scoring off a couple assists from senior Brett Robinson and sophomore Mike Gurtler with just 44 seconds elapsed.

Lundin finished the game with 35 saves to improve his season record to 4-9-0.

The Lakers will have next weekend off as they prepare to host Army in the AHA quarterfinals beginning on Friday, March 13 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.