The Clarkson University Hockey team pushed ninth-ranked Cornell to the limit in the ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series at Lynah Rink, but the Green and Gold came up just short as the Big Red edge the Golden Knights 2-1 in the deciding Game 3 on Sunday afternoon.

Clarkson, which opened the best-of-three series with a 6-2 win on Friday, could not crack one of the best defenses in the nation in the following two playoff contests as Cornell earned the right to move on to Lake Placid for the conference championship tournament with a pair of 2-1 victories in Games 2 and 3.

The Knights close out the 72nd winning season in the program's history with an 18-16-5 record.

Showcasing their own stingy defensive effort, the Green and Gold limited Cornell (20-7-5) to just 12 shots in the deciding third game, but could only get one of their 32 shots into the back of the Big Red net.

Sophomore Juho Jokiharju (Tampere, Finland) gave Clarkson the early with his second goal of the playoff series. Classmate Marly Quince (Sioux Lookout, ONT) sent a pass from along the left boards across the crease to Jokiharju, who tapped in a shot at the doorstep for his fifth goal of the season at 11:45 of the opening frame.

That was it, however, for the Knights. Despite a 23-7 shot advantage over the final 40 minutes, including a 12-1 margin in the third period, Clarkson could not connect again.

At 13:58 of the first, Jeff Malott snuck in a wraparound shot to tie the game. Midway through the second period, Anthony Angello knocked in a rebound for the Big Red at the top of the crease for the game-winner at 10:17.

Freshman Jake Kielly (Eden Prairie, MN) finished with 10 saves. Mitch Gillam earned the win with 31 stops for the home team.

Both teams were 0-of-3 on the power play.

Clarkson's Class of 2017, Jordan Boucher, Perry D'Arrisso, James de Haas, A.J. Fossen, Troy Josephs, Steve Perry and Ville Runola, closed out their collegiate career with 71 victories.