TCNJ opened the semester with a two game series against NECHL rival Canisius College. The Lions were looking to have a good start to the semester and they also welcomed two new players, defenseman Eddie Evaldi and winger Richard Stefanik.
On Friday night, they would get off to a good start as freshman Logan May would give the Lions the early lead. The Griffins would respond midway through the second period and then take a lead with two goals in the last minute of the second period. In the third period, Canisius would push the lead to four with a couple power play goals before Evaldi finished off a nice pass from Scott Martin. Both teams would each get one more, Tyler Herman scoring his first of the season but Canisius would finish the game with a 6-3 win. Senior goalie Justin Cooper made numerous big saves in the loss, he finished with 27 saves.
The Lions would flip the script on Saturday afternoon and the new comers would be play a big part. Stefanik would pot two goals in the first period and TCNJ would keep the pushing in the second period, they would rack up a four goal second period with goals from Puzo, Cislo, Sulpizio and Stefanik would complete the hat trick. The Griffins would get one with ten seconds left in the second period and took that momentum into the third period, making it a three goal game with two quick goals. Lions goalie Mike Bussanich would hold off Canisius and Evaldi would seal the game with an empty netter, Bussanich finished with 37 saves in the 7-3 victory.
TCNJ has a three game homestand next weekend, two of them against NECHL rival Oswego State. All home games are streamed on YouTube at Lions Hockey Live, click here to go to the channel.
Friday, January 20th vs Oswego State at 9:00pm
Saturday, January 21st vs Oswego State at 1:30pm
Sunday, January 22nd vs NYU at 3:30pm