POTSDAM, N.Y. — The Niagara Purple Eagles fell short in their season opener, losing 4-2 to the Clarkson Golden Knights on Friday night at Cheel Arena in non-conference hockey action.
 
How it Happened
Despite the loss, Niagara (0-1-0) showed resilience, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period. Luke Mylymok scored a power-play goal with 2:33 remaining to bring the Purple Eagles within one, assisted by Alex Murray and Ross Roloson.
 
Lars Rødne opened the scoring for Niagara late in the second period, cutting Clarkson's lead to 2-1. Shane Ott and Glebs Prohorenkovs picked up assists on the play.
 
The Purple Eagles' special teams showed promise, converting on one of five power-play opportunities. Niagara's penalty kill was also effective, holding Clarkson to two goals on four chances with the man advantage.
 
Goaltender Pierce Charleson made 23 saves in his debut for Niagara, keeping the Purple Eagles within striking distance throughout the contest.
 
Niagara Notes
• Friday marked the 18th meeting all-time between Niagara and Clarkson. The Purple Eagles move to 5-11-2 in the series.
• Clarkson has won two of the last three meetings with the Purple and White.
• Niagara won the battle on the faceoff dot, winning 39-of-71. Sophomore Tyler Wallace won a team-best 16.
• Rødne notched his 20th career goal, while Mylymok's tally was the 16th of his collegiate career.
• Prohorenkovs recorded his 40th career point with his assist on the Rødne goal.
• Ott's assist on Mylymok's power play goal is the 44th of his career.
• R. Roloson notched his first point as a Purple Eagle with an assist, the 11th of the sophomores career.
 
Up Next
Niagara will take on St. Lawrence on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. from Appelton Arena. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.