NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Despite two special teams goals – including a record-extending tally from Ludwig Stenlund – the Niagara men's hockey team slipped to 10-15-3 on the season and saw Sacred Heart leapfrog them in the Atlantic Hockey standings.
 
Game Recap

• After a first period that was fairly even across the board, Sacred Heart committed a penalty with 1:02 before the intermission, giving the Purple Eagles a power play heading into the second period. Early in the second, the Pioneers were whistled again, and Stenlund took advantage of the 5-on-3 by taking a feed from Noah Delmas at the point and blowing a shot into the cage.
• After Sacred Heart scored three unanswered goals, Eric Cooley struck with the Purple Eagles shorthanded to pull Niagara back within one.
• With Cole Weaver on the bench, Niagara pressed as Sacred Heart committed three consecutive icings, ensuring the Pioneers couldn't change lines. The winded visitors gave up some good chances, perhaps none better than Dylan Mills' backhand that trickled just wide of the net.
• On a faceoff deep in the offensive zone, Niagara nearly found its tying goal with 32 seconds left when the faceoff took a sharp turn towards the back post and was nearly tipped in.

 
Beyond The Boxscore

• Stenlund's second period strike extended his school record to seven straight games with a goal scored. Since the team returned from the winter break, the reigning HCA Player of the Month, AHA Player of the Month and AHA Player of the Week has has recorded five points (4 G, 1 A) on special teams in the team's nine outings.

 
Up Next

• The Pioneers and Purple Eagles will close out the weekend tomorrow afternoon with a 4 p.m. puck drop. Saturday's game is "First Responders Night," featuring free tickets for all first responders and discounted tickets for their families. After the game, fans can also stick around to partake in head coach Jason Lammers' press conference and an open skate with the team. Anyone interested in attending can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or contact the Niagara University Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499).

 
 
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