ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's hockey team hosted Canisius after a series sweep of Niagara last weekend. The Golden Griffins went up 2-0 and were on top early. The Lakers then scored three, unanswered goals to take their first lead of the night. However, Canisius netted two goals in the final three minutes of play to defeat Mercyhurst, 4-3. 
 
The game commenced with Mercyhurst (3-19-1, 3-11-1 AHA) taking early control in faceoffs, winning several against Canisius (12-9-2, 7-6-2 AHA). The Lakers had a power play opportunity early in the period where Ryan Coughlin scored. However, the Canisius challenged for offsides, won the challenge, and the game remained 0-0. Charles-Edward Gravel was active in goal, making several saves to keep the game within reach. The Golden Griffins struck first with a goal at 7:25 and then extended their lead with an unassisted goal at 2:59. The Lakers responded with a goal by Will Schumacher at 1:35, assisted by Tyler DesRochers and Brendan Lamb, narrowing the deficit to one. The period concluded with Canisius leading 2-1.
 
The second frame saw the Lakers break the deadlock with a pivotal goal from Andrew LeBlanc at 12:37, assisted by Schumacher and Francesco Iasenza. Mercyhurst effectively neutralized a power play early in the period, with strong defensive play and crucial saves from Gravel. Despite a flurry of attempts from Canisius, the Lakers maintained their composure. The game was 2-2 headed into the final frame.
 
The Lakers took their first lead of the night in the third period. Brendan Lamb's goal at 7:51 in the third period, assisted by Schumacher and LeBlanc, gave them a 3-2 lead. However, the golden Griffins would go on to break the Laker's hearts. They responded with a six on five equalizer at 2:25, followed by a game-winning goal at 2:02. Despite Mercyhurst's efforts, including an empty net strategy in the final minute, the period ended with Canisius securing a 4-3 victory.

Puck drop for game two will take place tomorrow at 5 p.m.