NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Eyeing their first win in the "Battle of the Bridge" this season, the Niagara Purple Eagles hockey team was thwarted by their rival in the Canisius Golden Griffins on Friday night, falling by a final score of 2-1 at HarborCenter. Brian Wilson made 16 saves in his first start back after being sidelined with an injury the past two games, while Derian Plouffe and Eric Cooley picked up assists and Justin Kendall scored the lone Niagara goal on the evening.
 
Game Summary

• Final Score: Canisius 2, Niagara 1
• Niagara Goal Scorers: Justin Kendall
• Niagara Assists: Derian Plouffe, Eric Cooley
• In Goal: Brian Wilson [9-16-2] – 2 GA, 16 SV
• Power Plays: Canisius– 0-for-2 (0 SOG); Niagara – 0-for-3 (5 SOG)
• Records: Canisius– 16-15-2 (16-11-0 AHC); Niagara -11-19-3 (10-14-3 AHC);
• Location: HarborCenter– Buffalo, New York
• Attendance: 1,409

 
Game Recap

• The scoring started early in the game when Canisius was able to jump on the scoreboard first. Matt Hoover was able to whip a shot into the net past Brian Wilson to give the Golden Griffins the lead just over seven minutes into the first period, 1-0.
• Niagara did not waste too much time to jump back into the game however. After an initial shot on goal by Eric Cooley, Justin Kendall was able to get hold of the deflection and score his third goal of the year to tie the game with just 4:01 left in the first period, 1-1.
• After the game remained tied going into the first intermission, Canisius was able to regain the lead just over halfway through the second period. It was Hoover once again, who was able to score after gaining a deflection, to put the Golden Griffins back out in front, 2-1.
• In the third and final period of the evening, Niagara had a prime opportunity to tie the score for the second time of the evening when Canisius' Alex Jaeckle was called holding, giving Niagara two minutes with a man advantage. Despite multiple shots on goal however, the Purple Eagles were unable to cash in, with Canisius holding on to win on their home ice.

 
Inside the Numbers

• Justin Kendall's goal in the first period, his third of the season, marked his first point in his last six games and his first goal in his last eight games. Kendall is third among freshman on the team this season in goals scored, trailing teammates Eric Cooley (five) and Zach Mills (four).
• Derian Plouffe continues to be an offensive force for the Purple Eagles this season. With his assist tonight, Plouffe has a team-best 33 points, while also ranking second on team in assists with 18, trailing only Noah Delmas who has 25 for Niagara this season.
• Eric Cooley now has 14 assists and 19 points this season, good for third and fourth on the team, respectively. Cooley's 19 points are also the most among freshman this season.
• Niagara edged Canisius in faceoffs Friday night, 33-29.

 
Up Next

• The Purple Eagles will conclude the regular season Saturday night against the Golden Griffins in the fourth and final "Battle of the Bridge" matchup between the two teams. The game, which will be the final regular season home game for the team's seniors, will have a puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The radio telecast for the game will be live on WLVL 1340 AM and will be televised on LCTV.

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