Sophomore Dan Morrison stopped a career-best 48 shots, blanking the visiting Ferris State Bulldogs on Saturday night, 1-0. The teams split the two-game set and are both now 1-1-0.
Morrison recorded his second collegiate shutout to earn his first victory of the season. His 48 saves are the most by a Griff in a shutout since moving to the Division I level.
"I thought Dan showed great communication right from the start, which showed he was in a grove," said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. "Our guys felt good about our game today and for our second game, I thought we played really well."
The two teams played a defensive battle for the first two periods on Saturday. Neither team was able to score despite a number of chances. Canisius had the best opportunity in the second period but could not take advantage of consecutive power plays that ranged 5:58, including two minutes of 5-on-3.
The Griffs finally struck in the third period, scoring just 37 seconds into the final frame. Senior Jason Weeks skated in on a 2-on-1 break and then fed the puck to classmate Ryan Klusendorf. Klusendorf then beat the Bulldogs goalie glove-side high to give Canisius the 1-0 advantage. Freshman Ben Parker also registered an assist on the goal.
Canisius continued to dominate the game defensively behind the strength of Morrison. The Griffs were whistled for a five-minute major with 11:44 remaining in the contest. However, Canisius successfully killed the power play with Morrison stopping seven shots. In total, the Griffs killed seven power plays on the night with Morrison making 18 saves.
"For me, it's much easier to get into the game when I see a lot of shots early and they did a good job of getting the puck on net and dumping it in my corner," Morrison said. "I felt like I was able to reach a comfort level after I made a few stops in the first period."
Canisius was 0-for-6 with the extra-man advantage. The Bulldogs' Pat Nagle stopped 20 shots in the defeat.
The Griffs return to action next Friday, playing at Lake Superior State. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
Game Notes: The previous high by a Griff for most saves in a shutout was 46, set by Sean Weaver against Mercyhurst on Feb. 4, 2000 ... The win was the second for Canisius all-time against a CCHA school. The Griffs, who also defeated Ferris State last season, are now 2-10-3 against CCHA teams ... The one total goal ties a school record for fewest goals in game. The Griffs, who have now played in six 1-0 games, have never skated to a 0-0 draw ... The game-winning goal was the second in Klusendorf's career ... The assist was the first point for Parker in his career.
