Walker Sommer’s goal with 4:07 remaining in regulation completed a comeback from 2-0 down as Niagara advanced to the Atlantic Hockey quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory over Mercyhurst.
NIAGARA WINS!!!
Walker Sommer scores the game-winner to send the Purple Eagles to the @Atlantic_Hockey quarterfinals!#uncommon pic.twitter.com/HvDNkfhknT
— Niagara University Men's Hockey (@NiagaraMHKY) March 9, 2021
In a season that’s been an uphill battle to simply get games played – including playing just four regular-season games after January 10 due to COVID-related issues – once again had a major hill to climb in Monday’s playoff opener.
Mercyhurst jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals by John McDougall in the first and a second by Carson Briere early in the second.
But Niagara had an answer in the middle frame.
Ludwig Stenlund tallied on the power play at 8:42 before Ryan Cox equaled the score at 12:12.
With the game tied in the third, Niagara goaltender Chad Veltri was strong, stopping all 16 shots he faced giving Sommer the chance to play hero.
