Sophomore Felix Chamberland recorded a hat trick on three power goals as the Canisius hockey program defeated Robert Morris, 6-3, from KeyBank Rink at HARBORCENTER in the Griffs home opening game Friday evening. With the win, the Blue and Gold move to 2-3-0 overall, with a 1-0-0 record in Atlantic Hockey play.
Canisius, who scored five power play goals, opened the scoring with a goal from Chamberland at 11:31 that was assisted by freshman Matt Hoover and senior Geoff Fortman. Robert Morris would tie the contest shortly after, with a goal at 8:52, with Canisius freshman Nick Hutchison adding his second goal of the season at 5:24, giving the Griffs a 2-1 lead after a period of play.
The Griffs would add two more power play goals in the second period. Chamberland netted his second of the contest, before freshman Matt Stief would put home his first career goal with 1:56 remaining in the second for 4-1 Canisius lead.
The third period of play would see the Golden Griffins and Colonials trade two goals apiece, with Hoover recording his first goal in a Canisius uniform less than a minute into the third. Chamberland would add his third power play goal of the evening at 16:56, becoming the first division I player to record a power play hat trick since Dianiel Carr of Union accomplished the feat against Army West Point on Dec. 11, 2010.
Senior Charles Williams received his second straight win in net for the Blue and Gold, making 27 saves while allowing the three goals.
Head Coach Dave Smith’s Postgame Comments
“We’ve been saying all week that five guys need to be involved and move together and that’s what we did. Robert Morris is a good team, the guys will celebrate for a few minutes and we will then focus on tomorrow.”
Game Notes
• The scoring performance marked the first time Canisius has scored four power play goals in a single game since their 6-5 season finale loss to RIT in 2009.
• Chamberland recorded the first Griffs power play hat trick since Carl Hudson accomplished the feat against Sacred Heart in the 2009-10 season.
• With Canisius’ five power play goals, mark the 18th time the feat has been accomplished in division I play.
• Sophomore Cameron Heath recorded two assists for the Blue and Gold in the victory.
• Hoover, Hutchison and Stief each recorded two points on a goal and assist.
Up Next
Canisius will again face Robert Morris tomorrow evening from KeyBank Rink at HARBORCENTER tomorrow evening at 7:35 p.m.
