The Canisius College hockey team lost to Holy Cross, 6-2, on Sunday at the Buffalo State Sports Arena. The loss extends the Griffs' winless streak to six games as the team is now 4-5-3 and 3-4-3 in Atlantic Hockey play. With the win, Holy Cross improves to 5-4-1 and 4-1-1 against league foes.
"Holy Cross was better than us today," said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. "They were a little better than us in every element and that results in a 6-2 game. We didn't defend the rush very well and we were just off tonight. Some of that has to do with Holy Cross, some of that is confidence and youth and some of that is bad luck."
Senior Eric Rex and freshman Patrick Sullivan each scored for the Griffs in the defeat.
Holy Cross struck first, scoring 13:40 into the contest. Luke Miller netted an early goal for the Crusaders to give the team a lead it would not relinquish. Rob Linsmayer stretched Holy Cross' lead to two, scoring his second goal of the season 3:30 into the second frame.
Rex cut Canisius' deficit in half, netting a short-handed goal with 6:49 remaining in the second. The senior gained possession of the puck, skated down the ice, beat a Holy Cross defender and scored for his fourth goal of the season.
Holy Cross, however, answered right back, scoring on the remaining power play. Everett Sheen knocked in a rebound to give the Crusaders a 3-1 advantage with 5:55 left in the second.
In the third period, Andrew Cox and Adam Schmidt both scored for Holy Cross before Sullivan netted a goal for the Griffs. The rookie knocked in a loose puck from senior Vincent Scarsella for his third goal of the season. Sheen then finished the game off with his second goal of the contest, coming with four seconds remaining.
Holy Cross outshot the Griffs, 35-22, during the contest. The Crusaders also converted one of their two power-play chances, while killing all four Canisius extra-man opportunities.
Junior Dan Morrison stopped 29 shots in the defeat, while Thomas Tysowsky recorded 20 saves for the Crusaders.
Canisius returns to action on Friday, hosting Air Force in Atlantic Hockey action. Game time at the Buffalo State Sports Arena is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Game Notes: The six-game winless streak is the longest for Canisius since a six-game run to open the 2007-08 season ... The loss by more than one goal is the first for the Griffs this season ... Canisius is 0-4-2 in its last six games against Holy Cross and has not defeated the Crusaders since Feb. 17, 2008 ... Rex adds to his career-high point total, which is now at nine ... The previous high for the senior in his career was six points set as a sophomore ... Senior forward Matt Zuke played his fourth-straight game on the blue line due to injuries.
