Men's Ice Hockey St. John Fisher Athletic Communications

St. John Fisher Men's Hockey Earns Historic 2-1 First Win Against Buffalo State

BUFFALO, NY – The St. John Fisher University men's ice hockey team officially launched its inaugural season on Friday night and opened the program's history with a 2–1 road victory over Buffalo State. The contest marked the first varsity game for the newly established program, and Fisher delivered a composed, structured performance from start to finish to earn its first win.

It wasn't just a win. It was the first goal, the first lead, the first penalty kill, the first save, the first handshake line. Everything about this night carried the weight of a beginning—one built on years of planning, recruiting, and belief. Coming off an offseason that generated excitement across campus and the national men's hockey landscape, Fisher stepped onto the ice for the first time and played like it belonged.

How It Happened
Fisher struck first at 14:30 of the opening period on its initial power-play opportunity of the night. After clean puck movement on the entry, freshman forward Mike Markowski positioned himself at the right circle and converted a feed from Sam Ciappa, scoring the first goal in program history.

Both teams locked down defensively through the second period before the Cardinals extended their lead early in the third. At 3:07, freshman Mitchell Ferras capitalized on a transition rush, finishing a setup from linemates Brendan Merriman and Leyton Pettypiece to put Fisher ahead 2–0.

Buffalo State narrowed the margin midway through the period with a power-play goal at 8:23, but the Cardinals managed the remainder of regulation effectively. Strong defensive-zone structure and timely clears supported senior goaltender Sebastian Woods, who made several key stops late to secure the program's first victory.

Game Notes

  • Markowski scored the first goal in program history, his first collegiate goal.

  • Ferras added his first collegiate goal, which held as the game-winner.

  • Ciappa recorded the first assist in program history.

  • Merriman and Pettypiece each tallied their first collegiate assists.

  • Woods made 32 saves in his Fisher debut.

  • Fisher finished 1-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.

  • Head coach Reid Lesswing earned his first career win behind the Fisher bench.

Up Next
The Cardinals continue their opening weekend in Buffalo, taking on Chatham University on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.