Game Recap
Freshman Jesse Pereira scored the first two goals of his collegiate career as the Canisius hockey program lost to Penn State 4-2 from the Pegula Ice Arena in State College, Pa Saturday evening. With the loss, the Golden Griffins moved their record to 2-5-1 overall, while the Nittany Lions hold a record of 5-1-1 to begin the season.
Pereira netted his first career goal at 16:13 of the first period to give the Griffs an early 1-0 lead.
Penn State would respond with two first period goals from Kevin Kerr and Andrew Sturtz to give the Nittany Lions a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period of action.
Penn State would increase its lead to 3-1 at 12:48 of the second, before Pereira would add his second goal of the night on an assist from sophomore’s Dylan McLaughlin and Alex Jaeckle to cut the Nittany Lion’s lead to 3-2 heading into the second intermission.
During the third period of play, the Griffs had what looked to be the game-tying goal scored by McLaughlin at 13:38, but it was nullified by an offside call. Chase Berger would add Penn State’s fourth goal of the night at 11:13 to secure the 4-2 victory for the Nittany Lions.
Senior goaltender Charles Williams stopped 43 shots, including 15 in the second and third periods, moving his record to 2-2-1 on the year.
Head Coach Dave Smith’s Postgame Comments
“We played significantly better tonight. We played with pace and passion. If not for a disallowed goal, we would’ve tied the game in the third. From the goalie on out, I was proud of our team effort in the areas that can make us successful. Penn State is a very good hockey team and we will carry these lessons forward into league play.”
Game Notes
• The Blue and Gold were outshot by Penn State 47-21, while winning 31 of 78 total faceoffs.
• Junior Jeff Murray recorded his first point of the season with an assist on Pereira’s first goal.
• The Griffs were called for eight penalties lasting 27 minutes, while the Nittany Lions were called for three infractions totaling six minutes.
• With the loss, the Griffs moved to 0-3-0 all-time against Penn State.
Up Next
The Griffs will play RIT next weekend in a home and home series, beginning with a 7:35 p.m. puck drop from KeyBank Rink at the HARBORCENTER Friday night.
