The University of Georgia Ice Dawgs gave up a goal with just 23 seconds left in regulation time Saturday night to suffer a 3-2 loss in Athens at the hands of the Niagara University Purple Eagles.
UGA was down 2-0 in the first period at Akins Ford Arena, but tied things up early in the second and appeared to be heading for overtime before Niagara made them pay for a costly turnover deep in their own end.
Georgia managed to tie things up early in the second period on Saturday with a pair of short-handed goals from senior team captain Evan Parente and sophomore Zach Noll. However, the Ice Dogs were unable to find the back of the net again, and the game winner for Niagara came with just 23 seconds remaining after the Ice Dawgs coughed up the puck in their defensive zone.
The two teams played Friday afternoon, too, with Niagara taking a 6-1 decision in a game that saw UGA starting goaltender Isaac Haugen suffer a knee injury in the opening period, which indefinitely sidelines him.
A third scheduled game for Sunday against Niagara was cancelled due to inclement weather. The Ice Dawgs will be back at Akins Arena this Friday and Saturday to take on Auburn at 3 p.m. each day.