ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's hockey team hosted RIT as they continue to close the gap on Niagara in the AHA standings. The Tigers struck first in the second frame and the Lakers responded with two special-teams goals in a three-goal period. The Tigers tied it up in the third and the game remained 2-2 headed into overtime. Neither side could pot a game-winner, and RIT went on to win the shootout. Charles-Edward Gravel was pivotal in net, making 39 saves. 
 
Mercyhurst (3-20-2, 3-12-2 AHA, began the first period strong, winning the opening faceoff with Ryan Coughlin. Gravel was key for the Lakers, making numerous saves as RIT (14-11-2, 10-7-2 AHA) applied early pressure with a series of shots. Despite multiple attempts, the Lakers were unable to capitalize on their power play opportunity following a Tigers penalty at 10:59. The period concluded with a score of 0-0, as both defenses held firm.
 
RIT quickly took the lead in the first few minutes of the second period. The Lakers regrouped and capitalized on a power play opportunity at 4:17 when Sean James scored. This was assisted by Dominik Bartecko and Coughlin, tying the game at 1-1. Later, with RIT on a power play, Bartecko turned the tide by scoring a short-handed goal at 1:34, assisted by Caleb Price, giving the Lakers a 2-1 lead. Bartecko thought he had scored a third, but it was later disallowed after a review showed he was offside. The period ended with Mercyhurst ahead 2-1.
 
The Lakers began the third period assertively, securing multiple early faceoff wins against the Tigers. Despite their offensive efforts, including shots from Francesco Iasenza and Price, the scoring moment remained elusive. RIT leveled the game at 2-2 with a goal at 8:51. Mercyhurst's defensive line, including key blocks by Barrett Brooks and Price, held firm in the latter stages. The period ended tied at 2-2, with overtime being deemed necessary.
 
The overtime period began with the Lakers showing control early by winning the initial faceoff and maintaining possession. Despite efforts from Will Schumacher and Jacob Leblanc, their shots did not find the net.  Mercyhurst's Brendan Lamb was instrumental in faceoffs, consistently securing possession for his team. However, a late tripping penalty on Bartecko put the Lakers at a disadvantage, resulting in a Tigers power play. Gravel and his line of defense in a man-down situation made crucial saves to keep the game tied. The overtime ended scoreless, concluding the match in a draw with a final score of 2-2. RIT secured the two points by winning the shootout, 2-0.  
 
Puck drop for game two will take place tomorrow at 5 p.m.