BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team (0-13-0, 0-7-0) fell to Canisius (7-6-1, 3-4-1), 5–1 Saturday. Canisius scored four goals in the first period, setting the tone for the game, while the Lakers managed a single goal in the second period.

The first period began with Charles-Edward Gravel taking position in goal for Mercyhurst. Canisius quickly found the back of the net scoring at 2:29, giving them an early lead. The Lakers responded with a series of faceoff wins and a power play opportunity but were unable to convert any shots into goals.

As the period progressed, the Golden Griffins extended their lead scoring at 8:35, followed by another goal with 5:43 left in the period. Despite the Green and Blue's efforts to capitalize on another power play, the team could not break through the Golden Griffins' goaltending. Canisius added another goal from with 1:07 left in the period, closing the period with a 4-0 lead over the Lakers.

The second period began with Canisius extending their lead through an even-strength goal at 3:14. The Lakers responded with a goal by Spencer Smith, assisted by Matteo Disipio and Andrew LeBlanc, narrowing the gap at 7:26. Despite a series of shots from both teams, the period concluded with the Lakers trailing 5–1.

Mercyhurst opened the third period by winning the faceoff and maintaining offensive pressure, but their shots were repeatedly turned away by the Canisius netminder. Lucas Klemm played a key defensive role, blocking a shot early in the period to keep the score steady.

Despite multiple power-play opportunities, the Lakers struggled to capitalize, with several attempts by Dominik Bartecko and Jacob Leblanc failing to find the net. The team continued to press throughout the period, but Canisius blocked numerous shots, maintaining their defensive stand.

Mercyhurst's efforts to close the gap were persistent, with Caleb Price and Smith contributing offensively, but they could not alter the scoreline. The game concluded with the Green and Blue unable to score in the third period, ending with a 5–1 defeat.

A.LeBlanc contributed with one assist and maintained a 100% face-off win percentage by winning all three of his face-offs. Smith found the net once and achieved a 71% success rate by winning five out of seven face-offs. Gravel, in goal, recorded 20 saves. 

The Lakers will split their series next weekend home and away with RMU.