Hockey's Rally Falls Short at AIC

Springfield, Mass. ? The Canisius College hockey team could not overcome an early three-goal deficit and fell to American International, 4-2, in a Saturday matinee game.

“We were flat,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. “We didn't play well in the first half. The small differences between being assertive and aggressive cost us two games this weekend.”

Sophomore Josh Heidinger (pictured) led the Griffs with a goal and an assist. Freshman Derek Danowski also added a goal. Senior Bryce Luker and sophomore Andrew Loewen split time in goal. Luker recorded eight saves in the first 23:12 of the game, while Loewen made five saves the remainder of the game.

The Yellow Jackets (2-5-1, 2-4-1 Atlantic Hockey) started the game strong, scoring two goals in the first period. Mike McMillan sent a crossing pass right in front of the goal and the puck deflected off a Canisius skate and past Luker 8:03 into the contest. AIC added another score at the 12:34 mark when T.J. Smith posted his first collegiate goal on a delayed penalty to give the Yellow Jackets a 2-0 advantage.

American International added another goal early in the second period. Frankie DeAngelis took the puck after an expired penalty and beat Luker on a one-on-one breakaway 3:12 into the period.

Danowski got the Griffs (2-7-2, 2-5-1 Atlantic Hockey) on board two minutes later. Senior Kyle Bushee fired a shot from the blue line but the AIC goalie recorded the save. Danowski cleaned up the rebound and knocked the puck in for his second goal of the season. Heidinger also recorded an assist on the score.

Heidinger brought the Griffs within one with 8:22 remaining in the game, connecting on a power-play opportunity. Heidinger faked out a defender and got him on the ice. He then skated by the defender and connected on his sixth goal of the season. Freshman Vincent Scarsella and senior David Kasch posted an assist on the score.

The Griffs, however, could not add the equalizer. Their best opportunity came with 3:52 left when Scarsella tipped a pass from Heidinger toward the goal but AIC goalie Dan Ramirez made the save. Ramirez stopped 26 shots to earn the victory. The Yellow Jackets added an empty-net goal to round out the scoring.

The Griffs take a break from Atlantic Hockey play next weekend, squaring off with No. 1 Miami for a two-game series. The two teams will meet on Friday at 7:35 p.m. and Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

Game Notes: Heidinger extended his goal streak to a career-best six games, also matching his personal-long point streak ... Danowski has recorded a point in seven of his last eight games ... The Griffs outshot an opponent for the first time this season, holding a 28-17 advantage in shots ... Canisius lost in game two of a two-game series for the first time this season (2-1-2).

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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

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

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

#33 Bryce Luker: G; 6' 3"; Senior

#23 Vincent Scarsella: F; 5' 7"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

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

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

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

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

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

#33 Bryce Luker
: 6' 3"; Senior
: G

#23 Vincent Scarsella
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: F