Potsdam, NY – Sophomore Tim Marks (Brownville, NY) capped off a three-goal flurry in the opening 10 minutes as Clarkson University defeated Harvard University 2-1 in a tight defensive game in ECAC Hockey action before 2, 643 fans at Cheel Arena Friday night.

Ranked 11th in the country, the Golden Knights improved their record to 2-0 in the league and 5-2 overall. Harvard was playing its first game of the season.

Friday’s contest opened with plenty of offense, but soon turned into a defensive game with the Crimson out shooting Clarkson, 26-22. Senior David Leggio (Williamsville, NY) posted 25 saves, including 20 in the first 40 minutes to improve his record to 5-1.

One minute into the first period, Clarkson grabbed the lead when sophomore Matt Beca (Mississauga, ONT) knocked in a rebound off a shot from the point by senior defenseman Grant Clitsome (Gloucester, ONT). Junior defenseman Phil Paquet (Quebec City, QUE), playing on his first shift of the season, also assisted.

Harvard came back to tie it with a power-play marker from senior Alex Meintel (Yarmouth, ME) at 4:31. Sophomores Doug Rogers (Watertown, MA) and Alex Biega (Montreal, QUE) set up the Crimson’s first goal of the year.

The Knights regained the lead at 9:28 of the first when Marks, from the bottom of the left circle, swept in a pass from behind the net by senior Steve Zalewski (New Hartford, NY) for the game-winner on his second goal of the year.

Clarkson was 0-of-5 on the power play while Harvard went 1-of-5 with the man advantage. Making his first collegiate start, freshman Kyle Richter (Calgary, ALB) posted 20 saves.