Buffalo Hockey wins the Blizzard

Fueled by a stirring pregame tribute to the Armed Forces and a raucous crowd, Buffalo opened up the tournament by putting Slippery Rock netminder Pat Jacobs in a shooting Gallery. Matt Ganci would score two and add an assist to lead Buffalo in their opening round 71 victory.

Tim Root started the scoring. While UB was short handed Root scored after taking a pass from John Andhor. Slippery Rock would tie the game mid way through the first period on one of their many power play chances but that would be the only highlight of their night.

Before the first period was over Craig Meany broke they tie when he took a Chris Covel in the slot.

In the second, Buffalo would take full control when Ganci capitalized on UB's first powerplay of the game. Scott Mack would net his 5th of the season and Ganci’s added his second of the night before the second period ended.

UB finished off the pride with third period goals by Ben Lantz and Brenden Robinson.

On the night UB goaltender Shane Irwin stopped 15 of 16 shots to earn the victory and remain unbeaten in a Bulls uniform (11-0-0).

Buffalo moved into the championship game against Canisius. The last time the UB had a shot at the Griffs, it was an upset win loss for UB in last seasons ECHL playoffs.UB rattled Canisius net minder Josh LiPuma with three first period goals. This forced the Griffs to make a change in the second period and for awhile Mark Mallare helped stave off the UB attack allowing just one goal.

Going into the third period up 4-0 UB rattle off two more goals before Canisius was able to get on the board. The Griffs did net of a pair of third period goals but the Bulls poured on two more finishing off Canisius 8-4.

UB has two more games before the break, they travel to Saint Bonaventure and RIT this weekend.