LEWISTON -- And cue the ice rivalry for the 2011-12 season. Niagara hosts Canisius for the first of three games between the schools in Atlantic Hockey this season.
The hockey series dates back to 1997 with Niagara holding a 14-8-1 all-time advantage. Last year, the teams the four meetings with the road team winning each time. The GOlden Griffins have won the last two meetings incluidng a 6-3 win in last year's first round of the Atlantic Hockey Tournmaent.
This year, Canisius (2-5-1, 2-1-1 AH) is struggling offensively, averaging just 18.4 shots a game -- the fewest in the country. The Griffs defense is solid, however, as its 1.75 goals against is the second best in the league.
Niagara (2-4-2, 1-2-1 AH) is averaging 2.5 goals a game, paced by sophomore Scott Arnold who has eight poitns and four goals.
Check back for updates throughout the game.
Final: Canisius 1, Niagara 1. It is only the second tie in the 14-year history of the series.
Overtime
And it's time for free hockey in Dwyer Arena. All tied, 1-1. In case you forgot, the goals were scored in the first five minutes of the game.
Third period
Start of the third: For the record, these teams have only gone to overtime twice in their 14-year hockey rivalry. Last year, Niagara won, 6-5, in OT at the Buffalo State Ice Arena. The only other OT game is also the only tie between the two programs, a 3-3 draw on Jan. 24, 2004 in Dwyer Arena. There. I said it.
Second period
Start of the period: Tied, 1-1. Niagara held a 10-6 advantage in shots on goal.
10:38: Still tied, 1-1. Canisius is 0-for-3 on the power play and not taking advantage of their opportunities. Coming into the game, Niagara was just 10-for-20 (50 percent) on the penalty kill at home.
End of the second: Still knotted up, 1-1. A few power play chances for both teams, but neither could capitalize.
First period
18:08: Canisius takes a 1-0 lead on a shorthanded goal by Torrey Lindsay, his second shortie of the year.
15:15: And with another chance on the power play, Niagara takes advantage and evens the game at 1-1, tipped in by Giancarlo Iuorio ona shot by Ryan Rashid.
--- Amy Moritz
