TROY, N.Y. - Niagara and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) traded goals in a thrilling non-conference matchup on Friday night that resulted in a 3-3 tie with Niagara winning the shootout, 2-0.
 
How it Happened
Trevor Hoskin opened the scoring for Niagara (0-2-1) in the second period, assisted by Ethan Lund and Tyler Wallace. The goal answered RPI's early first-period tally and tied the game at 1-1.
 
The Purple Eagles found themselves trailing 2-1 entering the third period but showcased their resilience with a strong final frame. Lars Rødne ignited the comeback, netting a power-play goal at 1:41 to even the score. Jay Ahearn then gave Niagara its first lead of the night at 7:04, capitalizing on assists from Shane Ott and Braden Doyle.
 
RPI (2-0-1) managed to equalize just 17 seconds later, setting the stage for a tense overtime period and eventual shootout.
 
In the shootout, Niagara's Rødne and Hoskin both found the back of the net, while Charleson, with a little bit of help from the post, stopped bot RPI attempts.
 
Niagara's netminder Pierce Charleson was stellar between the pipes, turning away 36 shots throughout the contest. The Purple Eagles' special teams also shined, with Rødne's power-play goal proving crucial to the comeback effort.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 5-2-2 all-time against RPI.
• The Purple Eagles have recorded at least three goals in each of the last six meetings with RPI.
• Rødne and Hoskin both notched their second goals of the season.
• Charleson's 36-save effort was his 13th career game with 30 or more saves.
• Niagara has scored a power play goal in each game this season.
• Rødne recorded eight shots, the most by a Purple Eagle in a game this season.
 
Up Next
Niagara and RPI will close out its two-game set Saturday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. from Houston Field House. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.