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Mercyhurst University Athletics

John Larkin
2
Niagara NIA 10-20-1, 7-15-1
3
Winner Mercyhurst MER 5-23-3, 5-15-3
Niagara NIA
10-20-1, 7-15-1
2
Final
3
Mercyhurst MER
5-23-3, 5-15-3
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 F
Niagara NIA 1 0 1 2
Mercyhurst MER 1 1 1 3

Game Recap: Men's Ice Hockey | | Jay Tonks, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

Three Lakers Score as Men’s Hockey Tops Niagara on Senior Night, 3-2

ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's hockey hosted Niagara for the second home-and-home series between these two this season. Previously, the Lakers swept the Purple Eagles in January. Tonight, the Laker's special teams showed up as they scored two powerplay goals and secured the victory, 3-2. Salvatore Evola made 33 saves, which is the fifth time this season he has surpassed 30 or more saves in his six starts between the pipes. 
 
The game commenced with Mercyhurst (5-23-3, 5-15-3 AHA) gaining control early by winning the initial faceoff. Despite an early goal by Niagara (10-20-1, 7-15-1 AHA) at 18:37, the Lakers maintained composure. Ryan Coughlin leveled the score for the Lakers with a power-play goal at 9:57, assisted by Dominik Bartecko and Sean James. The period concluded with both teams tied at 1-1. This game marked the third consecutive game where Mercyhurst scored at least three goals.
 
Mercyhurst gained momentum in the second period with a crucial goal to take the lead by Bartecko at 14:37. This one was assisted by Francesco Iasenza and Tyler DesRochers. This was Bartecko's second consecutive game with two points. Despite facing a penalty on John Larkin for high sticking, the Lakers successfully killed the ensuing power play, maintaining their advantage. The period ended with Mercyhurst holding the lead, 2-1.
 
In the final frame, the Lakers extended their lead with a power-play goal by Fitzgerald, assisted by Jacob Leblanc and James, at 16:22. This was James' sixth consecutive game recording at least a point. This also gave the Lakers a two-goal cushion as the Purple Eagles tried to claw their way back. Niagara responded with a goal at 7:06, narrowing the gap to one. Despite the Purple Eagle's late efforts, including an empty-net strategy, the Lakers defense showed out. Evola continued to make crucial saves as this one ended with a 3-2 win on Senior Night. Alexander Dimitriadis recorded a season-high 11 faceoff wins. Coughlin was also clutch in the circles, going 14 for 25.  
 
Puck drop for game two will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Niagara. 
 
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