Canisius Holds Off Clarkson 3-1 in Season Opener

Buffalo, NY –The Clarkson men's hockey team opened the 2025-26 season on the road, traveling to Buffalo to face Canisius. Despite a late surge, the Golden Knights fell 3-1 in a hard-fought matchup at the LECOM Harborcenter.

Clarkson held an early shot advantage, gut it was Canisius striking first on a power-play goal by Walter Zacher at 12:05 of the opening period. Assisted by Jason Gallucci and Grant Porter. Clarkson kept the pressure on, firing several quality chances, but couldn't find the equalizer in the first period.

The Griffins doubled their lead midway through the second period when Hunter Andrew scored at 9:59, assisted by Hunter Price, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Clarkson continued to push offensively, but Canisius goalie Chase Clark was sharp, turning aside 31 shots overall and keeping the Golden Knights at bay.

Clarkson finally got on the board in the third period when Matthew Mayich finished a play at 13:33, assisted by Ryan Bottrill and Tristan Sarsland, giving the Knights a glimmer of hope. The team pressed in the final minutes, attempting to force overtime, but Canisius added an empty-net goal from Grant Porter with just over 13 seconds left to secure the 3-1 victory.

Mayich led the offense with the lone goal, while Soderwall faced a heavy workload with 32 shots, keeping the Knights within striking distance.

Both teams finished with 32 shots on goal, highlighting an evenly matched contest. Clarkson went 0-for-2 on the power play, while Canisius converted one of three opportunities. Faceoffs were close, with Clarkson winning 37 of 70 draws.

Clarkson will return to Potsdam to focus to their next matchup at Penn St.  It will be a quick turnaround as they play on Thursday and Friday due to a home football game for Penn St.