Crusaders Gain Split With Griffs

Jeff Dams scored two power-play goals in the third period to lead Holy Cross to a 3-1 victory over Canisius Saturday evening at the Hart Center Ice Rink. The Crusaders avenged Friday night’s 3-2 loss to the Golden Griffs to remain in second place in the MAAC.

HC improves to 12-8-3, 9-4-3 MAAC, while Canisius falls to 9-10-2, 8-6-2 MAAC.

After a fast-paced opening period in which there were no goals and no penalties, Canisius’ Chris Duggan broke the scoreless tie at 4:06 of the second frame when he flipped in a rebound.

A determined Crusader team saved their best period of hockey for last. HC tied the score at 1-1 just 13 seconds into the third stanza when Mark Spiers hustled after a rebound in front of the net and sent it top-shelf past goalie Sean Weaver. Tony Deluzio and R.J. Irving assisted on the play.

Dams put the Crusaders ahead for good when he scored on a slapshot at 6:07 during Holy Cross’ first power play of the game. Patrick Rissmiller was credited with the helper.

Dams then netted his team-high seventh power play goal of the season and second of the game at 12:23 to push the Crusaders lead to 3-1. Assisting on the play were J.R. Walker and Greg Kealey .

Derek Cunha made 31 saves to record his ninth win of the season. Weaver stopped 33 shots for the Golden Griffs.