Icers come out slow vs. NU

SUNY Niagara returned to the ice for the first time in six weeks and suffered a 5-1 setback against host Niagara University late Thursday night at Dwyer Arena. The Thunderwolves fell to 10-3 overall and 6-2 in D2 Metro play. SUNY Niagara has 12 total points, which is good for a first-place tie atop the division.

The Wolves dug themselves a 5-0 deficit before defenseman Josh Kaczor scored their lone goal with 10:40 remaining in the third period. It was Kaczor's fifth goal of the season. Chase Schmidl was credited with the assist. 

Joe Willis made 30 saves for the Purple Eagles, while SUNY Niagara goaltender Mike Mankowski was credited with 20 stops. 

The T-Wolves have a quick turnaround with a non-division matchup vs. Penn State Behrend slated for 7 p.m. Saturday at LECOM Sports Park in Erie, Pa.