Ice Hockey 11/11/2007 12:00:00 AM Canisius College Athletics

Hockey Defeats Holy Cross, 4-2

Worcester, Mass. ? The Canisius College hockey team defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders, 4-2, in a Saturday matinee game. The Griffs improved to 2-5-2 and 2-3-1 in Atlantic Hockey play, while the Crusaders fell to 4-3-1 and 3-2-1 in league play.

“We played very, very well,” said Canisius College head coach Dave Smith. “It wasn't a perfect game but I think we learned we can win when we are not perfect. I am happy for our guys. We stuck to the game plan and the little victories made the difference.”

Senior Kyle Bushee (pictured) led the Griffs with three points on one goal and two assists. Sophomore Jason Weeks recorded a goal and an assist, while sophomore Alec Wright and sophomore Josh Heidinger both added a goal.

Sophomore Andrew Loewen posted 28 saves in between the pipes to earn his first victory of the season.

Holy Cross got on the scoreboard first when J.P. Martignetti tallied his first goal of the season 9:23 into the game. The Griffs quickly answered back when Weeks notched his first goal of the season at the 13:25 mark. Senior David Kasch sent a crossing pass toward the goal and Weeks knocked it in for his first score of the season. Bushee also recorded an assist on the score.

Wright helped the Griffs claim the lead 5:03 into the second period. Freshman Scott Jenks fired a shot from the blue line but the Holy Cross goalie made the save. Wright collected the rebound and knocked it in for his first goal of the season. Sophomore Peter MacDougall added an assist on the score.

Bushee gave the Griffs at 3-1 advantage just shortly later. The senior made a nice move in front of the goal to fake out a Holy Cross defender and then found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Weeks and Kasch posted the assists on the goal.

Loewen and the Canisius continued their strong play in the second and third period. Holy Cross, which entered the game ranked second in the country converting on 32.6 percent of its power play, could not score on four opportunities in the second and third stanza. The Crusaders even had 1:08 of five-on-three but still couldn't break through.

The Crusaders finally did pull within one with an even-strength goal. Martignetti scored his second goal of the day with 6:01 remaining in the game but could not score the equalizer. Heidinger scored an empty-net goal with 10.3 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Bushee and junior Specner Churchill posted an assist on the score.

The Griffs continue Atlantic Hockey play next weekend at American International. The two schools begin the series on Friday at 7:05 p.m. and wrap up play on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. in Springfield, Mass.

Game Notes: The Griffs are undefeated in game two of a series (2-0-2) ... Weeks posted his first goal of the season after leading the team with 15 scores last year ... Wright, who missed most of his freshman season due to an injury, scored his first goal since Nov. 3, 2006, also at Holy Cross ... Heidinger has posted a goal in his last four games ... Churchill has posted seven assists in just nine games, matching his career-high total ... Freshman Derek Danowski and sophomore Dave Cianfrini had their career best six and four games point-streaks, respectively, end.

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Players Mentioned

#39 Kyle Bushee: D; 6' 0"; Senior

#9 Derek Danowski: F; 5' 9"; Freshman

#12 Josh Heidinger: F; 5' 9"; Sophomore

#3 Scott Jenks: D; 5' 10"; Freshman

#25 David Kasch: F; 6' 4"; Redshirt Senior

#1 Andrew Loewen: G; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#32 Peter MacDougall: F; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#16 Jason Weeks: F; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#21 Alec Wright: F; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#39 Kyle Bushee
: 6' 0"; Senior
: D

#9 Derek Danowski
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: F

#12 Josh Heidinger
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: F

#3 Scott Jenks
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: D

#25 David Kasch
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Senior
: F

#1 Andrew Loewen
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: G

#32 Peter MacDougall
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: F

#16 Jason Weeks
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: F

#21 Alec Wright
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: F