Canisius upsets Niagara in AHA semi's

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WIVB) - Canisius could be the hottest college hockey team in the nation, after upsetting Niagara 5-3 Friday in the Atlantic Hockey Association semifinals.

Griffs forward Tyler Wiseman scored twice, as did Niagara star Giancarlo Iuorio.

Duncan McKellar scored the eventual game-winner late in the second period, breaking a 3-3 tie. Wiseman added some insurance less than two minutes into the third period to help preserve the victory.

"It's a pretty amazing experience," said Wiseman. "To be one game away from the NCAA Tournament is special."

With the win, Canisius advances to the AHA finals for the first time, while Niagara now has to hope to earn an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Purple Eagles spent the majority of the season in the national rankings.

"We've had a heck of a season," said Niagara Head Coach David Burkholder. "If the computer and the NCAA says 'Hey, you've had a good year, you deserve to be in the tournament,' we will go, we'll regroup."

The Griffs will take on the winner of Mercyhurst and UConn in Saturday's championship game.