An extra-attacker goal by defenseman Kyle Bushee gave the Canisius College hockey team a 2-2 tie Saturday evening against Mercyhurst at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
Bushee’s goal came with 27 seconds remaining in the contest and with the Griffs having pulled goaltender Andrew Loewen. Bushee ripped a shot past the left side of Mercyhurst goaltender Mike Ella for his third of the season.
Canisius scored first at 16:20 of the first period when Spencer Churchill dropped a pass for Josh Heidinger. Heidinger crashed the net, drawing the defense and leaving Carl Hudson wide open on the weak side. Hudson cashed in with his 10th goal of the season.
Mercyhurst took the lead with two goals in the second period. Scott Champagne and Neil Graham scored for the Lakers to give them the advantage they would hold until Bushee’s game-tying goal.
Loewen made 44 saves in the loss while Ella had 29 saves.
“After a disappointing second period, I liked the way our team battled back and played to win in the third period,” Canisius coach Dave Smith said. “We worked this week on scoring during special situations and were rewarded with Kyle’s goal.”
With the tie, Canisius finishes as the eight seed in Atlantic Hockey and will host American International in the play-in game March 10 at the Buffalo State Sports Arena. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
