NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Clarkson, the nation’s 20th-ranked team, used three power-play goals in its season opener as it downed Niagara University 7-3 Friday night in men’s hockey at Cheel Arena in Potsdam, N.Y.

The Golden Knights scored four unanswered goals in the first period to take a 4-1 lead. Dan Tuttle had two of those tallies.

"It was a very even game but the scoreboard didn’t show it," Niagara head coach Dave Burkholder said. "We gave them far too many chances on the power play. That was the difference. We said going in they have the best forwards we’d face and they showed it at times."

Niagara senior forward Sean Bentivoglio (Thorold, Ont.) got the Purple Eagles on the scored when he scored on the power play just 2:37 into the first period. Bentivoglio’s goal came after receiving a backdoor pass from sophomore Ted Cook (Hogansburg, N.Y.). Niagara freshman Chris Moran (Buffalo) also was credited with an assist, the first of his collegiate career.

Tuttle then tied the game with an even-strength goal before Clarkson got a power-play goal from Matt Beca at 10:59. The Golden Knights picked up another even-strength goal at 12:30, this one coming from Max Kolu for a 3-1 edge. Tuttle rounded out Clarkson’s first-period scoring when he scored an unassisted goal.

Niagara sophomore forward Les Reaney (Ceylon, Sask.) scored at 18:08 of the first period when he scored on a rebound. Cook and freshman forward Egor Mironov (Thornhill, Ont.) picked up assists.

Clarkson added a power-play goal by Nick Dodge at 7:45 into the second period for a 5-2 edge. Niagara senior defenseman Pat Oliveto (Rochester, N.Y.) then scored a power-play goal when his shot from the point found the back of the net at 11:28. Reaney and sophomore Vince Rocco (Woodbridge, Ont.) assisted on the goal.

The Golden Knights pushed the lead to 6-3 when Shawn Weller scored an even-strength goal 17 seconds after Oliveto’s goal. Clarkson then scored its third power-play goal of the game with a goal by Philippe Paquet.

Niagara (0-1-0) plays St. Lawrence at 7 p.m. Saturday in Canton, N.Y.