Niagara University, N.Y. — Niagara mounted a spirited comeback attempt but ultimately fell 4-2 to RIT on Friday night at Dwyer Arena.
The Purple Eagles fell to 7-14-0, 4-9-0 AHA, while the Tigers improved to 13-11-0, 9-7-0 AHA.
The opening frame was a defensive battle, with Niagara outshooting the Tigers 8-4. Niagara generated quality chances, with Maxim Muranov, Declan McDonnell, and Aidan Litke all testing RIT netminder Jakub Krbecek, but the period ended scoreless.
The Tigers broke through early in the middle frame, with Evan Konyen scoring just 45 seconds in, on assists from Austin Brimmer and Zach Wigle to grab the first goal.
Brimmer added to the Tigers' advantage at 15:08, again assisted by Wigle and Konyen, sending the teams to the third period with RIT ahead 2-0.
Niagara dominated possession in the second period, outshooting RIT 22-3 and earning three power play opportunities. The Purple Eagles peppered Krbecek with chances, but couldn't solve the RIT goaltender.
Niagara broke through at 4:19 of the final frame when Noah Hackett cut the deficit to 2-1, assisted by Lane Brockhoff and Litke. However, the Purple Eagles' momentum was short-lived as William Moore restored the two-goal cushion just one minute later with what proved to be the game-winning goal.
Ross Roloson brought Niagara back within one at 9:21 with help from Ziskie and Muranov, making it 3-2.
Mitchell Day entered in relief of Rolovs midway through the period and made eight saves. The Purple Eagles pulled Day for an extra attacker late, but Philippe Jacques sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:19.
Coach's Thoughts
Game Notes
Niagara is now 29-23-17 all-time against RIT
Roloson got his first point of the season with his goal
Day made his first appearance of the season since 10/18/25 against Union
Muranov recorded his first point since 12/5/25 against Bentley
The Purple and White outshot the Tigers 39-19
The Purple Eagles won the face-off battle 40-26
Up Next
Niagara wraps up a home and home with RIT Saturday January 24 at 5 pm at the Gene Polisseni Center.
