ITHACA N.Y. - Down by two goals early in the third period, the Niagara University men's hockey team (10-7-1, 4-3-1) scored two goals in five minutes, including one power-play goal to tie the Cornell Big Red (6-5-2, 4-2-0) at three. Although out shooting their opponent, the Purple Eagles were unable to seal the deal, allowing the game-winning goal in the late stages of the third period.

Dropping by one goal early in the first period, Niagara answered back with a shot by Kyle Rogers (Erie, Pa.)  above the crease, off a pass by Chris Moran (Buffalo, N.Y.), tieing the game at two. Less than five minutes to go in the first period, Cornell re-gained the lead with a shot from the top of the circles by Big Red Blake Gallagher.

With a scoreless second period, the Purple Eagles found themsevles down a man early in the third, and Cornell's Topher Scott capitalized scoring the Big Red's only power-play goal of the game, extending the Big Red's lead to two.

Creating some momentum for the boys of Monteagle Ridge, Nate Bostic (Holden, Mass), in his first game this season, scored with a wrister from the top of the crease bringing the Purple Eagles within one goal of tieing the game. Big Red Brendon Nash was called for hooking 13 minutes into the third period, putting Niagara on the man advantage. Finding a way to capitalize on the power-play Dan Sullivan (Scarborough, Ont.), with passes from Ted Cook (Hogansburg, N.Y.) and Chris Moran scored off a shot at the point to tie the game at three a piece.

The Purple Eagle's high energy wasn't enough to clinch the victory. Justin Krueger banked the game-winning goal late in the third period for the Big Red, advancing Cornell to a 4-3 victory over Niagara

"We played so well and so hard and carried the play. Unfortunately we didn't have the result I thought we deserved," said Coach Dave Burkholder. " We were very physical and help up in ever area of the game against a very good Cornell team."

Juliano Pagliero (Dalroy, Alb.) was in net the entire game for the Purple Eagles stopping 24 shots while Ben Scrivens of Cornell made 26 saves on the game.

The Purple Eagles are back at Dwyer Arena for a two game home stand as it hosts CHA rival Robert Morris for their ninth and tenth conference games of the season.