Hockey Edges Holy Cross, 2-1

Freshman Cory Conacher scored with 3:57 left in the game to lift the Canisius College hockey team over Holy Cross, 2-1. With the win, the Griffs improved to 10-16-5 overall and 9-11-4 in Atlantic Hockey play and moved into sixth place in the league standings.

“I thought we played a very complete game for all 60 minutes today,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. “Our guys were very focused today and it showed.”

Senior David Kasch (pictured) scored the Griffs' other goal and added an assist on the game-winning score to lead the team with two points. Freshman Taylor Anderson recorded 16 saves in goal to post his second victory of the season.

“We came out with a good effort today,” Kasch said. “We worked our systems and cycles well. It started to show in the second and I think it wore them down.”

The Crusaders (9-14-7, 8-12-4) got on the scoreboard first with a power-play goal 10:44 into the game. Brodie Sheahan found Rob Forshner in the slot, who shot the puck high for his third goal of the season.

Neither team was able to find the back of the net again until late in the second period when Kasch scored on the power play with 1:19 left in the frame. Sophomore Dave Cianfrini fired a shot from the blue line. Sophomore Ryan Klusendorf then deflected the shot to Kasch, who knocked the puck in for his team-best 10th goal of the season.

Conacher gave the Griffs their first advantage of the afternoon late in the game, scoring with 3:57 left in regulation. The rookie skated toward the net and ripped a shot past the Holy Cross goalie for his fifth goal of the season and his first collegiate game-winning score. Sophomore Jason Weeks and Kasch both posted an assist on the goal.

With the victory, the Griffs now stand four points behind Air Force for fifth place in the Atlantic Hockey standings. The top five teams in the regular season earn home ice for the postseason tournament and the two teams meet next weekend in critical series.

“Our goal was to finish in the top five so we could have home ice,” Conacher said. “We have to win four points next weekend to put ourselves in position for fifth.”

Canisius welcomes the Falcons to the Buffalo State Sports Arena next Friday and Saturday. Game time on Friday is set for 7:05 p.m., while the two teams will play on Saturday at 3:05 p.m.

Game Notes: The Griffs are now 8-3-1 at home this season, its most home wins since the 2001-02 season ... After starting the year 0-4-5 in games decided by one or fewer goals, the Griffs have won three of its last five games decided by one goal ... Canisius won for the second time this year when trailing at an intermission ... The Griffs are now 9-2-3 when Weeks records a point and 1-14-2 when he fails to register a point ... Canisius has scored a power-play goal in its last five games, its longest stretch this season.

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Players Mentioned

#35 Taylor Anderson: G; 6' 0"; Freshman

#5 Dave Cianfrini: D; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#28 Cory Conacher: F; 5' 5"; Freshman

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

#27 Ryan Klusendorf: F; 5' 11"; Redshirt Sophomore

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

Players Mentioned

#35 Taylor Anderson
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: G

#5 Dave Cianfrini
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: D

#28 Cory Conacher
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: F

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

#27 Ryan Klusendorf
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Sophomore
: F

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