Canisius improved to 7-4-3 with the win and extend its unbeaten streak to five games (3-0-2). Findlay dropped to 6-7.

Bouffard's goal completed a late rally for the Ice Griffs, who trailed 3-2 until sophomore forward Corey Lucas tied the game 1:09 left in regulation on a feed from Todd Bisson. For Lucas, it was the fifth straight game in which he has scored a goal.

"We never gave up and that's a great sign," said Canisius coach Brian Cavanaugh. "We never gave up until the bitter end, managed to score late in the third to tie it and then got a goal in overtime on the first shift."

Early in the second period, it was Findlay that found itself behind on the scoreboard as Canisius opened the scoring 23 seconds into the frame on a goal by Bisson. Bouffard then made it 2-0 in favor of the Ice Griffs at the 5:54 mark of the period on a redirection of a shot by defenseman Randy Baird.

The goal was Bouffard's first collegiate tally.

"It's a great feeling to finally get the monkey off my back. I've been plugging away all year and finally got one to go in the net," Bouffard said. "You can't ask for more than to score the game-winning goal in overtime. It's what you dream about. I was so excited I didn't even know what to do after I scored."

"Marc Bouffard comes in here with some great credentials," Cavanaugh said. "Nobody's worked harder to try to get into the lineup and stay in the lineup. I was very happy to see him score his first college goal and then see him score the game-winner tonight."

Findlay rallied to tie the game at 2-2 in the second period on goals by James Rademaker and Larry Amsden. The Oilers then took the lead on a goal by Russ Kelly at 10:22 of the third period. Kelly was the beneficiary of a loose puck in the slot thanks to some tight forechecking by his linemates.

For Canisius, netminder Stephen Fabiilli made 19 saves in the win. Jamie VandeSpyker had 22 stops in the Findlay nets.

Canisius and Findlay tilt again on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Buffalo State Sports Arena.