(Potsdam, NY) – The Clarkson Golden Knights scored three times in the first period and made the lead hold up, defeating the Sacred Heart University Men's Hockey team 3-0 in the first of a two-game weekend series.

Louke Oakley scored on the power play, with Sam Labrecque and Ben Sexton earning the assists at 4:07.  Kevin Tansey made it 2-0 Clarkson on another special team's goal, scoring shorthanded at 13:12 with Jarrett Burton getting the assist.  Oakley scored his second goal of the night late in the period, giving Clarkson a 3-0 lead with an unassisted goal at 18:33.

Andrew Bodnarchuk (Saskatoon, SK) made 28 saves in net for the Pioneers, shutting out the Golden Knights over the final two periods.

Paul Karpowich stopped all 23 SHU shots in net for Golden Knights for the shutout.  He was particularly sharp on the Pioneer's six power plays, stopping all seven shots they generated on the man advantage.  Eric Delong (Oakville, MB) and Drew George (Regina, SK) both took four shots on goal, but Karpowich denied them every time.

The Pioneers and Golden Knights play once again Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. in the finale of the weekend series.