BUFFALO, N.Y. – A fast start by the Niagara men’s hockey team (5-5-1, 5-3-1 AHA) and a strong finish spurred the Purple Eagles to a 5-2 win over their Canal Cup rivals on Thursday evening. Niagara used two power play goals to topple Canisius (4-6-0, 3-5-0 AHA) in the first of four Battles of the Bridge between the two squads this season.
Game Recap
Dylan Mills drew first blood just 1:14 in by chopping and redirecting the puck in after a heavy hit by Ludwig Stenlund in the Canisius end. Noah Delmas – who had the lone assist on the opening tally – extended his recent hot streak. On the Purple Eagles’ first power play opportunity of the game, the junior blew by the Griffs’ defense and extended around the goalie to double the lead with 3:02 elapsed in the first.
After surrendering two goals in 24 seconds, Niagara nearly retook the lead just before the first intermission on a wild fray in the Canisius crease. The loose puck wound up getting cleared after a few hacks from Alex Truscott.
Dylan Mills restored the lead for the Purple Eagles less than two minutes into the middle period.
With 12:20 remaining in the second, Reed Robinson nearly put the lead back at two goals for Niagara. The freshman found himself right in front of the net with a golden chance, but his high stick-side shot was shouldered up and away on the save.
With Jared Brandt in the box for interference midway through the third, Justin Kendall found himself alone in the Canisius end with the goalie. Kendall brought the puck in deep but was denied by two saves with the keeper’s left pad.
The Purple Eagles nearly gave up a wacky equalizer as Dylan McLaughlin played the puck over the net from behind. Quick action from Brian Wilson and his teammates helped keep the lead intact.
With the Griffs on a power play and entering the Niagara zone, defenseman Eric Cooley dove blade first to break up the play and direct the puck to a teammate. Stenlund raced up the ice and went to the top corner opposite himself to find Niagara’s fourth goal of the game.
Johnny Curran got his second goal of the year with the Griffs’ goalie on the bench late in the game to ice it for the Purple Eagles.
Beyond The Boxscore
Delmas needed just 182 seconds to secure his third straight game with at least two points. It is the first time in his career he’s had a three-game multi-point streak.
The win marked the first time Niagara left HarborCenter victorious following a regular season game. The Purple Eagles improved to 2-9-1 all-time in the Griffs’ newest home.
Up Next
The Battle of the Bridge will pen its next chapter on Saturday night. Canisius will pay a visit to Dwyer Arena on November 17 at 7 p.m.
