NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles (8-16-2, 7-9-2-2 AHA) and goaltender
Chad Veltri earned their first shutout of the season, defeating Mercyhurst (6-15-4, 4-10-4-1 AHA), 1-0, on Saturday.
Game Recap
First Period
- The Purple Eagles were on the power play just five seconds into the first period, but weren't able to capitalize.
- Christian Gorscak had the first opportunity of the game for Niagara, but his shot was saved.
- The Purple Eagles were on the power play again a little over halfway through the period. Zac Herrmann and Ryan Naumovski had chances, but neither of their shots found its mark.
- Herrmann took three more shots in the period and Naumovski had one, but the teams were scoreless heading into the first intermission.
Second Period
- Carter Randklev and Herrmann had early opportunities for NU in the second period, but their shots didn't make it past the Lakers' goaltender.
- The Purple Eagles were on the power play about five minutes into the period. Walker Sommer had two chances, but his shots were both saved.
- Herrmann had two more chances for NU, but one was saved and one was blocked.
- Niagara continued to send shots at the Lakers defense and, 12:47 into the period, Jon Hill scored to give the Purple Eagles a 1-0 lead. Naumvoski and Jason Pineo earned the assists on the goal.
- Ryan Cox and Gorscak had two strong chances in the remainder of the period.
- The Purple Eagles led the Lakers, 1-0, after 40 minutes of play.
Third Period
- Chris Harpur and Olivier Gauthier had opportunities for NU in the first few minutes of the third period, but both shots were saved.
- Niagara was on the power play again a little over 11 minutes into the third period. Josef Mysak and Harpur had opportunities.
- Naumovski, Cox, Sommer and Albin Nilsson, Shane Ott, Brandon Stanley all had chances for NU in the remainder of the period. Although none of their shots found the back of the net, the Purple Eagles were victorious, 1-0, to split their season series with the Lakers.
Eagle's Eye On
- Herrmann led the team in shots on goal with six. Naumovski had four shots on goal.
- Veltri (7-7-1) made 22 saves in the game.
Up Next
- Niagara continues its five-game home stand with two games against the Bentley Falcons Feb. 4-5.
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