From the time they arrived on the Canisius College campus, Cory Conacher and Vincent Scarsella have been linked.

Vincent Scarsella

They came in as true freshmen and have been linemates for the Golden Griffins for most of the past two and a half seasons. Where there’s one, there’s usually the other, which should be no coincidence since they are roommates.

It’s no wonder the Canisius Connection sits atop the Atlantic Hockey scoring charts. Conacher leads the league in goals (13) and points (27). Scarsella leads the circuit in assists (15) and is third in points (23).

“They have tremendous chemistry between them,” Canisius coach Dave Smith said. “They have grown a lot together and with the program. They complement each other very well.”

With similar physical builds and similar styles, it was no wonder Smith paired up the freshmen in the fall of 2007. Conacher, from Burlington, Ontario, broke his wrist early in the season and missed 17 total games. When he returned to the lineup, he joined efforts with Scarsellla, who lives in nearby Lackawanna, N.Y. Scarsella led the team with 31 points and Conacher had 17 points.

A healthy Conacher put up 35 points during his sophomore year and Scarsella recorded 26.

Scarsella is a power forward in a little guy’s body, according to Smith. A straight-ahead skater, Scarsella is quick to the puck and protects it well once he has it. Conacher has developed into a tremendous playmaker, and his skating and shooting skills should draw the attention of pro scouts. Smith believes both players will play professional hockey once they are through at Canisius.

“It’s always been Cory and Vince, Cory and Vince, since day one,” Smith said. “They’re almost like brothers. They pick on each other. They have little battles. They compete against each other and with one another.

“It’s been fun to watch them evolve and grow up together,” Smith added.