"We had a lot of commitment and effort in all three zones and by all 18 skaters today," said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. "By getting such a strong effort, we were able to play at a high level and were able to earn a great tie against a very good hockey team."

Senior Scott Moser and freshman Matthew Grazen both scored for the Griffs in the draw.

Sophomore goaltender Tony Capobianco recorded 36 saves to anchor the Canisius defense.

The Griffs opened the scoring 5:51 into the contest when Grazen connected for his first collegiate goal. Sophomore Kyle Gibbons forced a Laker turnover in their zone and Grazen finished from right in front of the net for the early 1-0 lead.

The Lakers pulled even with 7:08 remaining in the first period, scoring on the power play. Kyle Haines fired the puck from the point, which hit Capobianco and trickled past the goal line to knot the game at one.

Canisius reclaimed its advantage with 3:10 remaining in the second frame. On a rush, sophomore Ryan Bohrer attempted a shot that was blocked by a Laker defender but still made its way toward goal. Moser charged the net looking for the rebound and after the puck fell to the ice, the senior captain knocked it into the back of the net for the 2-1 lead. Freshman Stephen Farrell also registered an assist on the only tally in the second frame.

The Griffs held their lead until midway through the third period when Lake Superior State was able to take advantage once again on the power play. Domenic Monardo had his shot his blocked but the puck fell right to Dan Radke on the opposite side and he buried the chance for the 2-2 score with 10:02 remaining in regulation.

Neither team was able to net the game-winning tally in the remaining 15 minutes of play. The Griffs penalty kill unit came up big in overtime by killing one final Lake Superior State power play in the final 1:44 of action.

The Lakers held a slight advantage in shots on the afternoon, 38-35. Lake Superior State was 2-for-4 on the power play, while Canisius didn't convert in three extra-man chances.

Kevin Kapalka recorded 33 saves to earn the draw for the Lakers.

The teams wrap up the two-game series tomorrow afternoon. Game time at the Buffalo State Sports Arena is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

Game Notes: Canisius' 35 shots are a season-high total and nearly doubled its season average of 18.8 ... The Griffs are now 3-16-2 all-time against a nationally-ranked school and 3-16-4 versus a CCHA team ... The schools were meeting for the seventh time with four of the games resulting in a tie ... Capobianco has recorded at least 31 saves in all five of his appearances this season and raised his save percentage to .935 this year ... The sophomore entered the weekend ranked 11th nationally with a .932 save percentage ... The assist for Farrell was the first point of his collegiate career.