Erie, Pa. — Mercyhurst is set to start play in 2024 with a trip up to Connecticut to take on Sacred Heart for a two game series starting Friday, January 5th.

Matchup History
Since they began competing in the 1999/00 season, the Lakers have a 30-29-7 record against the Pioneers. They met 4 times last season, playing two in Erie and two in Fairfield, in which Sacred Heart took 3 of the 4 games with the other being a tie. The last time Mercyhurst played at Sacred Heart they were out scored 4-8 on a weekend series. The Lakers last beat the Pioneers in the 2018/19 series when they took both games away from home.

Recap
Last weekend Mercyhurst returned to action after the holiday break, taking on Ohio State in a one game series in which they fell 5-3. An exciting 4 goal first period saw both teams push each other in a back and forth game as the Lakers stayed in it until the final whistle. Steven Agriogianis was a big force for the offense, picking up two assists in the first, which saw him take the team lead in assists and points.

Stats Leaders
Boris Skalos and Philip Waugh are tied for the team lead in goals (8).

Steven Agriogianis leads the team in assists (11) and points (16).

Jake Beaune has the most blocks on the team with 44. 

Owen Say leads the team in saves with 517 and Simon Bucheler leads save percentage with a .930.

A Look at the Pioneers
Sacred Heart currently sits second in the AHA standings and went 1-3-1 over the past month. C.J. Marottolo is in his 14th season in charge of the Pioneers in which he had 13 new additions to his squad the year. TJ Walsh highlights the group of newcomers as he put himself in the team lead for goals (9) and points (18), coming over from RPI for his fifth year. Mark Cheremeta, who is also in his fifth year and transferred from OSU, is the team leader in assists with 10. Their sophomore starting goalie Chase Clark has 403 saves and a 2.45 GAA this year after coming over from Quinnipiac.

Puck drop at the Martire Family Arena is set for 7:00 pm on Friday, January 5th and at 3:00 pm for game two on Saturday, January 6th.