Niagara University, N.Y.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey snapped a four game skid in style defeated Niagara 4-1 on the road.
How it Happened
The Lakers jumped out an early lead just 3:17 into the contest as Keanan Stewart scored on his first shot of the season. Geoff Kitt forced a turnover on the forecheck and Stewart ripped one past the Purple Eagle netminder.
Niagara answered on the power play at the 5:53 mark of the first period to tie the game at one.
At the 10:40 mark of the opening frame, the Purple Eagles made the mistake of giving the 13th ranked Mercyhurst power play an opportunity. Rylee St. Onge netted his eight goal of the year and the 22nd Laker power-play goal of the season at the 11:59 mark. Austin Heidemann and Dante Sheriff picked up assists.
With less than two minutes remaining in the period, the Lakers extended their lead to two as Carson Briere scored his ninth goal of the season. Josh McDougall and Sheriff were credited with assists.
After the opening period the Lakers were up 3-1 despite being out shot 15-9.
When the second period started a new netminder took the crease for the Purple Eagles. Neither team struck in the middle frame but the Lakers out shot Niagara 13-11.
In the third period Stewart netted his second of the game with a wicked snap shot that found the back of the net. Kitt earned his second assist while Paul Maust forced the turnover or the forecheck.
Kyle McClellan made a career high 43 saves in the win which was his second of the year. He has made 40 plus saves in four games this season and 35 plus in eight games.
Battle of Special Teams
Both teams scored one on the man-advantage as Mercyhurst went 1/3 and Niagara went 1/4.
Number 300
Head Coach Rick Gotkin became the first Atlantic Hockey coach to reach 300 wins as a member of Atlantic Hockey.
Hear From The Guys
Up Next
The Lakers go for the sweep of Niagara tomorrow at 5:05 PM at Dwyer Arena.
