UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Sunday, October 05, 2008

Ridgebacks Drop a Tough One In Buffalo

Buffalo, N.Y. - The Canisius College men’s hockey team scored six unanswered goals en route to a 6-2 exhibition victory over the UOIT Ridgebacks on Sunday afternoon in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Ridgebacks struck first, scoring just 3:43 into the contest. Freshman Tony Rizzi tallied an unassisted goal to give UOIT the early lead. Rizzi added another goal with a power-play tally 9:33 into the second period as the Ridgebacks stretched its lead to two. Rizzi joins the Ridgebacks after playing four years in the OHL with Kingston and Peterborough.

In the late stages of the second period, despite the Griffs holding a commanding 27-9 advantage in shots, they could not find a way to beat Ridgebacks starting goalie Matt Mateja until Jason Weeks converted on the power play with only 43 seconds remaining in the second period.

Canisius picked up in the third period right where they left off in the second, claiming the lead in the first minute. Weeks set up Cory Conacher for a goal 27 seconds into the period and then Adam Brace tallied his first goal to give Canisius the lead just 50 seconds into the third. Spencer Churchill and senior John Patera posted assists on Brace’s goal.

The Griffs continued its strong play throughout the third period. Derek Danowski scored at the 13:39 mark and then Pat Kenney and Churchill added goals 33 seconds apart in the 58th minute of play.

All three Canisius goalies saw action in the game. Junior Andrew Loewen played the first period, recording three saves. Sophomore Taylor Anderson recorded four saves in the second frame. Freshman Dan Morrison stopped four shots in the third to earn the victory.

The Ridgebacks will open their 2008-09 OUA regular season on the road next weekend as they travel to Kingston to take on RMC and Queen’s University. The Ridgebacks home opener is slated for Friday, October 17 against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Puck drop at the Campus Ice Centre is at 7:30 p.m.

For a complete game box score, please visit http://www.gogriffs.com and click on the game summary.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS

Conference Record: 0-0
Overall Record: 1-3

Next Action:
Friday, October 10 @ RMC (7:30 p.m.)

Next Home Action:
2008-09 HOME OPENER
Friday, October 17 vs. U of T (7:30 p.m.) – Campus Ice Centre

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)

With Files From Canisius College Sport Information