NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. — The Niagara Purple Eagles rallied for a 4-3 victory over Army West Point on Saturday night, evening their Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinal series and forcing a decisive Game three.
 
How it Happened
Lars Rodne and Kyler Kleven each recorded a goal and an assist to lead Niagara (18-15-3), while goaltender Pierce Charleson made 36 saves in the win.
 
Kleven opened the scoring at 12:33 of the first period, giving the Purple Eagles a 1-0 lead. Army's Mac Gadowsky tied the game at 1:58 of the second period, but Niagara regained the lead when Jay Ahearn converted on a power play at 11:31.
 
The Purple Eagles extended their advantage early in the third period as Rodne scored at 2:30, followed by a short-handed goal from Grayson Dietrich at 4:08 to make it 4-1.
 
Army (15-18-2) mounted a late comeback attempt with Gadowsky scoring his second goal at 15:20 and Ben Ivey adding another with just 14 seconds remaining, but the Purple Eagles held on.
 
Gadowsky led the Black Knights with two goals and an assist in the losing effort.
The decisive Game 3 will be played Sunday at Dwyer Arena, with the winner advancing to the AHA semifinals.
 
Niagara Notes
• The Purple Eagles improve to 22-14-3.
• Charleson is now first all-time in single season saves with 1,084
• Niagara scored a shorthanded goal for the fourth time this season.
• Kleven recorded his second multi-point game of the season.
 
Up Next
Niagara and Army will play a win-or-go-home game three tomorrow night at 5 p.m. inside Dwyer Arena.