ERIE, Pa.—After picking up their first win of the season, the Mercyhurst Men's Hockey team looks to build some momentum as they start conference play. The Lakers are set for a home and home matchup this weekend as they travel to Niagara on Friday evening and return home for a second contest on Saturday night. 
 
1. All-Time vs Niagara
The all-time record sits at 18-21-5 with the Purple Eagles just edging out the Lakers. Last season, the teams split a two-game series in Dwyer Arena with the Lakers winning 4-1 in game one and Niagara taking game two one to nothing. In their victory, Keanan Stewart found the back of the net twice while Rylee St. Onge and Carson Briere add the other Laker goals.
 
2. Previously on Mercyhurst Hockey
The Lakers picked up their first win in dramatic fashion last weekend. On Friday, the Lakers earned a 2-1 overtime win at Clarkson. Gueorgui Feduolov found the back of the net on a pass from grad transfer Brendon Michaelian. Freshman Owen Say earned his first collegiate win as he posted 14 saves and a .933 save percentage. However, Mercyhurst couldn't build on the win dropping game two 5-1. Joseph Maziarz scored his first goal of the season on a pass from Eric Esposito in the Saturday loss. 
 
3. Coach's Connections
Associate head coach Greg Gardner was the first goaltender to suit up for the Purple Eagles as an NCAA team in 1996. Gardner still holds the NCAA record for most shutouts in a single season with 12 during his senior year at Niagara. In that season, Gardner posted a .936 save percentage and a 1.53 goals against average. He returned to his alma mater in 2006 as an assistant coach and stayed for four years behind the bench.
 
4. Points, Points, Points!
16 Lakers have registered at least one point this season while 11 have posted more than one. Rylee St. Onge and Carson Briere lead the team with five points apiece. St. Onge has recorded three goals and two assists while Briere has done the opposite assisting his teammates three times and finding the net twice. Grad transfer Brendon Michaelian leads the team in assists with four. 
 
5. Scouting Niagara
Niagara comes into the matchup with the Lakers touting a 3-3 record overall while going 1-3 in the Atlantic. The Purple Eagles started their season on the road at Omaha where they earned a two-game sweep. Since then, they dropped two to fellow AHA member AIC and split with Sacred Heart. Sophomore Jay Ahearn has recorded seven points for the Purple Eagles this season. He is followed closely by senior Ryan Cox who has six points on four goals and two assists. Niagara leads the Atlantic in blocked shots sitting just ahead of the Lakers as they average 17.8 per game.