BUFFALO, N.Y. — Canisius kept themselves alive for the Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season co-championship and the No. 1 playoff seed by defeating archrival Niagara, 2-1.
The Golden Griffins are two points behind Mercyhurst, who defeated RIT, 4-3. At best, Canisius can tie Mercyhurst and be declared the co-champions. However, because Canisius holds the tie-breaker against Mercyhurst thanks to more conference wins, Canisius would get the No. 1 seed in the playoffs if the tie occurs. Niagara could still finish in eighth place or as low as last.
Matt Hoover gave Canisius a first period lead, but Justin Kendall tied it up nine minute later. Hoover scored again in the middle of the second for the game winner. Daniel Urbani made 18 saves, including 10 in the third, to preserve the win. Niagara did not get a shot on goal in the second period.
