SANBORN, N.Y. – The Mercyhurst AAU Men's Hockey team began their new campaign on the road against the Thunder Wolves of SUNY Niagara.
 
Niagara began the game by scoring a goal within the first two minutes of the game, but the Lakers soon answered with a goal by freshman Thomas Edwards, his first of his AAU career at 17:13. Edwards was assisted by fellow rookies Trevor Keenan and Antonio Fleck, each earning their first collegiate points. After a flurry of goals by Niagara to round out the remainder of the period, the Lakers looked to make an impact during the second period.
 
Freshman Grant Butts began the second period scoring for the Lakers thanks to a feed from sophomore Jake Moran, his first assist, as well as Butts' first collegiate goal. Shortly thereafter, the Lakers gained a power play and Erie native Brayden McGarry sent a shot to the back of the net for the first goal of his AAU career. McGarry was assisted by newcomer Richard Graziano and Samuel Bresnock, their first points of the year. At 8:26, Keenan scored his first career goal, with help coming from Edwards and Fleck, their first and second assists respectively.
 
Unfortunately, the Lakers were unable to mount a comeback as the Thunder Wolves scored three goals in the third period, leaving the final at 9-4.
 
Rookie goalies Owen Morgan and Max Ingerman made their debuts and spent some time splitting the game, while sophomore Conner Racette spent the majority of the game between the pipes for the Lakers.
 
The Lakers will host Alfred State for their home opener Sep 27 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.