Senior Travis Gibbons led all players with a game-high three goals in the defeat, while junior Nick Caldiero added his first collegiate goal for the Griffs.

Senior netminder Sean Callahan recorded 11 saves in the start for the Griffs, while freshman Alex Govenettio stopped seven shots in his collegiate debut.

Cornell raced out to an early lead and never looked back, scoring four goals in the opening 3:46 before the Griffs ever held possession. After Canisius netted its first goal of the game, the Big Red ran off the next seven scores to head into the intermission with an 11-1 lead.

The Big Red continued its strong play in the second half, outscoring Canisius, 8-3, en route to the 19-4 victory.

Cornell finished the game with a 49-17 advantage in shots and 20-6 edge in faceoffs. Connor English was one of seven Cornell players with multiple goals in the victory, leading the team with five points, two goals and three assists.

Canisius returns to action on Saturday, playing at Albany. The schools are set to meet for the first time with faceoff scheduled for 1 p.m.

Game Notes: Canisius was the last Division I team to start the 2012 campaign ... The March 6 start date was the latest for Canisius since beginning the 2005 season on March 12 ... Gibbons entered his senior season with seven career goals in 30 career games ... Caldiero added an assist in the game for the first two points of his collegiate career ... Freshman Tim Edwards recorded an assist for the first point of his career ... Cornell is now 9-0 all-time against Canisius.