BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 30, 2015) -- The U.S. Military Academy at West Point's men's hockey team erased an early two-goal deficit with goals from Cadet Taylor Maruya and Cadet Conor Andrle to earn a 2-2 tie against Canisius at the Harborcenter in Buffalo N.Y., Nov. 28.
The Black Knights (2-6-4, 1-5-4 AHA) took three points this weekend at Canisius. Maruya's tally was the first collegiate goal for the rookie, while Andrle netted his second of the year. Andrle finished the night with two points on a goal and an assist. Goalie Cadet Parker Gahagen stopped 20 shots and settled down after giving up the first two of the game.
The Golden Griffins (3-9-1, 3-4-1 AHA) got goals from Jeff Murray and Shane Conacher and Simon Hofley made it stand with 24 saves between the pipes.
The Griffs took the first lead late in the first period after a long possession in their offensive zone. Canisius kept the puck in the zone multiple times and it paid off with Murray jamming home a wrap around with 3:36 left in the period. It was Murray's first of the season with Cameron Heath and Josh Kielich adding the assists.
Canisius added to its lead at the 14:31 mark of the second period with Conacher putting home his sixth of the season. The Griffs took a deflection off an Army stick in their defensive zone and turned it into a 3-on-1 rush. Ralph Cuddemi started the rush and found Ryan Schmelzer with a cross-ice pass. He tried to put it on net, but didn't get good wood on it. However, Conacher was there for the cleanup and the 2-0 advantage.
The Black Knights got on the board with 6:35 remaining in the middle frame with Maruya tallying his first of his career. Canisius was dealing with a lot of pressure from Army and turned the puck over and Cadet Tyler Pham ripped the loose puck from the slot that Maruya tipped off the iron and in to cut the Canisius lead to 2-1. Andrle was awarded his eighth assist of the season on the play and Pham was credited with his fifth helper.
Army didn't help itself afterwards as the Black Knights took a five-minute major penalty, but Army continues to kill off penalties and did once again as the team's went off for the second intermission with Canisius leading by a 2-1 score.
Andrle tied the game at the 11:29 mark of the third period with his second goal of the season. He did a lot of dirty work behind the net and got the puck out to Cadet Nick DeCenzo who fired a shot from the high slot. Andrle cut in front of Andrle and redirected the puck past Hofley to even the score at 2-2.
The Black Knights return to the ice Dec. 4-5, for a two day, away and home series against Sacred Heart.
Related Links:
Army West Point Athletics website
U.S. Army Garrison West Point website
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