Game Recap
Alaska Anchorage sophomore Mason Mitchell’s goal scored with 50.3 seconds remaining in the first period would be the deciding factor of the afternoon, as the Seawolves defeated Canisius 1-0 from the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. With the loss, the Griffs move to 1-3-0 to begin the season, while going 1-1 in the 2016 Brice Alaska Goal Rush.
The first period of play saw the Blue and Gold outshot 9-7, while failing to score on their only power play chance at 6:46. The goal scored by Mitchell in the waning minutes of the period was assisted by junior Austin Azurdia.
The second period would see the Golden Griffins again outshot 9-7, while tying the Seawolves in shots during the third period 8-8.
The Griffs would struggle to find the net throughout, but hung in until the final seconds, with freshman Jesse Pereira nearly tying the game with a shot off the post with five seconds remaining.
Canisius freshman goaltender Daniel Urbani made his debut for the Golden Griffins, making 25 saves, while allowing the lone goal late in the first.
Head Coach Dave Smith’s Postgame Comments
“Today was a really good college hockey game. They get one late in the first period, but we felt like we had enough chances, our guys played their best game of the year yet.
We played well in all three zones, with intensity and enthusiasm, and just weren’t able to get an equalizer. There was a lot of good, a lot to build on, and I’m very happy with the performance, just not the result.
The weekend was a great experience overall. As a hockey team I thought we grew. We were missing a few key pieces, but we showed we can skate, we can defend, it’s a long season and this is a good second step.”
Game Notes
• The Griffs were outshot by Alaska Anchorage 26-22, winning 20 of 44 faceoffs.
• Juniors David Parrottino and Mike Sabatini, along with freshman Matt Stief, led the Griffs with three shots each.
• Sophomore Cameron Heath and freshman Nick Hutchison each had one of the two Canisius blocks for the game.
• Both teams were 0-for-4 on the power play.
• Canisius is now 0-2-1 all-time against Alaska Anchorage.
Up Next
The Griffs will open Atlantic Hockey play next weekend in Buffalo, when the team faces Robert Morris Friday and Saturday evening at 7:35 p.m. from the HARBORCENTER.
