The Clarkson Golden Knights opened the 2026 portion of their schedule with their 3rd trip to Western NY this season to face Niagara University.  At stake was a 4 game win streak and a chance to even up their non-league portion of the schedule at 6-6.  

The Knights would jump out early on the Purple Eagles, as Mael St. Denis would score just 1:37 into the game from Remi Gelinas. 

Then the Knights would get two straight power play markers in the opening period.  The significance of these was not only to give the Knights the lead, but to help a power play that is starting to gain traction.  Talon Sigurdson would make it 2-0 at 13:33 with assists from Ryan Bottrill and Owen Van Steensel.  The Knights would make it 3-0 late in the first period when Tate Taylor would score another Power Play marker from Ty Brassington and Luka Sukovic.  

Niagara would have a strong push to open the second period but the Knights would absorb the pressure.  A big momentum swing was around the 5:00 minute mark when Niagara scored on a 2-1, but a bench review initiated by the Knights, overturned the call on the ice for goalie interference, preserving the 3-0 lead.

Justin Cote made it 4-0 at 16:12 in the second period with Gelinas picking up his 2nd assists and Tate Taylor earned his 2nd point of the night.

In the third period, Cote scored his 2nd straight to make it 5-0 and give the Knights their 3rd power play goal of the game.

Midway through the third frame, Niagara would make it interesting when they broke through to make it 5-1 at 10:43 and then 5-2 at 11:21.  After the 2nd Purple Eagles goal, Coach Houle would smartly use his timeout to settle the Knights down.

Just minutes later the Knights were back on the power play and Talon Sigurdson scored his 2nd power play goal of the night with Bottrill and Van Steensel picking up their 2nd assists.  

 Clarkson out shot Niagara 30 to 18 and was 4-7 on the power play, while holding Niagara 0 for 3 on their power play chances.  Shane Soderwall earned his 9th win of the season with a 16 save effort.

With the win, the Knights run their streak to 5 straight wins and move to 9-11 overall on the season.  They also finish non league play at 6-6.  Clarkson will now head back into ECAC play as they travel to Brown and Yale this weekend.