ANCHORAGE, AK – Massachusetts used a pair of third-period goals in a span of 48 seconds to rally from a 1-0 deficit and defeat the Canisius College ice hockey team 2-1 in the consolation game of the Nye Frontier Classic Saturday afternoon at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska. Canisius falls to 0-1-1 overall, while UMass improves to 2-1-0.

After a scoreless first period, freshman Mike Ruberto got things rolling for the Blue and Gold with his first collegiate goal, a power-play tally at the 15:29 mark of the second stanza. Ruberto found the puck after UMass goalie Tim Warner made the initial pad save off a shot by sophomore Billy Irish-Baker and slipped the rebound inside the right post. Sophomore David Kasch also assisted on the play.

UMass came alive and knotted the game at the 6:50 mark of the third period on a power-play goal byP.J. Fenton. Fenton tipped in a shot from in front of the net by Mike Kostka and beat Canisius sophomore netminder Max Buetox with a low shot inside the right post. Jeff Lang assisted on the UMass goal. The Minutemen took a 2-1 lead just 48 seconds later on an unassisted goal by Mark Matheson. Matheson grabbed a loose puck in the neutral zone, skated into the high slot and beat Buetow low on the glove side.

Buetow finished with 23 saves for Canisius. Warner posted 18 saves for UMass. Canisius went 1-for-6 on the power play, while the Minutemen were 1-for-3. UMass out-shot the Griffs, 25-19.

Canisius returns to action next weekend with a home-and-home series with NCAA Division I newcomer Robert Morris of the CHA. Canisius hosts the Colonials, Friday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., while Robert Morris hosts the Griffs Saturday at 7:35 p.m.