Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey Team earned a point in a 3-3 tie against Sacred Heart, the Lakers fell in the shootout 1-0.
How it Happened
Sacred Heart jumped out to an early lead just 4:21 into the opening period. Mercyhurst didn't answer back in the first period.
The Lakers went into the locker down one goal and were outshot 13-7.
Just 36 seconds into the middle frame the Pioneers made their lead two.
Mercyhurst answered back at the 10:57 mark of the second period as Steven Ipri tapped in the rebound from a point shot from Rylee St. Onge. Cade Townend also picked up his first assist of the season.
After 40 minutes of play Mercyhurst trailed 2-1 but had the same amount of shots in the middle frame as Sacred Heart.
Just 2:37 into the final period of regulation Carson Briere scored his team leading and Atlantic Hockey leading eighth goal of the season. Marko Riefenberger did a good job of keeping the puck in to start the play and Briere was able to score of a rebound.
With the Lakers on the power play Jonathan Bendorf gave the Lakers the lead with 10:52 remaining in regulation. Briere and Austin Heidemann picked up assists on Bendorf's second goal of the season.
With under five minutes remaining in regulation, Sacred Heart tied it up at three.
After 60 minutes the Lakers and Pioneers went to overtime, but nothing was solved despite each team generating multiple chances.
In the shootout, Mercyhurst was stopped three times while Hank Johnson made two of the three saves.
Johnson made 32 saves for the second straight game as he picked up his second tie of the year.
Battle of Special Teams
Mercyhurst took advantage of the power play and scored once on their two attempts while creating three shots with the man advantage.
Sacred Heart was held to five shots on their two power plays and were not able to convert.
Coaches Corner
Up Next
The Lakers and Pioneers play their second game of the weekend tomorrow afternoon with puck drop slated for 4:05 PM. You can buy tickets by clicking HERE!
