ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's hockey team hosted Niagara in game one of a home-and-home series. The Laker's defense came up big tonight as Charles-Edward Gravel and his defense stopped several shots. Brendan Lamb scored early in the first and he and Dominik Bartecko added empty-netters in the third  to secure a 3-0 shutout over the Purple Eagles.
 
The game began with Mercyhurst (2-18-1, 2-10-1 AHA) asserting control at the faceoff as Ryan Coughlin won the initial draw. They maintained control throughout the period despite several missed shots from both teams. The pivotal moment occurred at 4:24 when Lamb scored the first and only goal of the period for the Lakers, assisted by Connor Pelc and Will Schumacher. Gravel made crucial saves to keep Niagara (7-13-0, 4-8-0 AHA) scoreless. The period concluded with the Lakers leading 1-0.
 
In the second frame, the Lakers' defense played a crucial role, as Gravel turned away numerous attempts by Niagara, including key saves at 18:29 and 10:44. Caleb Price and Tyler Haskins contributed with significant blocks, stifling Niagara's offensive efforts. Despite the Lakers' offensive pushes, including shots by Jacob Leblanc and Sean James, they were unable to find the back of the net. The period concluded with the Lakers still in front, 1-0
 
The Lakers sealed their victory over Niagara with a decisive final frame. Most of the period was back-and-forth, which was okay for Mercyhurst holding onto a lead. When Niagara pulled their netminder, Lamb scored an empty-net goal at 1:43, assisted by Leblanc, to extend the lead. Just moments later, Bartecko added another empty-net goal at 1:21, with assists from Francesco Iasenza and Lukas Klemm. The game concluded with the Lakers maintaining a commanding shutout over Niagara, ending 3-0.
 
Puck drop for game two will take place tomorrow at Niagara at 6 p.m.