Jan. 10, 2008

ADRIAN, Mich. - The Adrian College ACHA hockey team got back to their winning ways with a 6-2 victory over the defending ACHA D2 national champions from Michigan State on Thursday night at Arrington Ice Arena.

With a combination of tough defense and powerful offense, the Bulldogs controlled the game from the face-off until the end of the contest. Glenn Horton, Jr. got the Bulldog offense started when he scored a power play goal from the top of the zone 2:16 into the game. Less than four minutes later, Donny Swanson beat the Michigan State defenders and converted the break-away opportunity to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage. The Spartans narrowed the Bulldog lead to one on a goal from just outside of the crease :43 before intermission.

The Bulldogs' tough penalty kill defense shut down the Spartan power play through the first two periods of the game as the Bulldogs pulled away in the second period. After a tremendous save in a one-on-one MSU power play situation by rookie goalie Matt Welch, Anthony Aukskalnis broke open the game in favor of the home team by scoring two power-play goals in the period. Aukskalnis notched his first goal with 6:36 left in the second period, finishing a centering pass from behind the net for the game-winner. With 2:00 before the second intermission, Aukskalnis netted his second straight goal to put the Bulldogs up 4-1.

The offensive firepower did not cool down in the third period. Michael Miller maneuvered past the Spartan for a break-away shot which he buried top shelf against the Michigan State goalie for the fifth Adrian goal less than three minutes into the final period. The Spartans would get their second and final goal of the game at the 8:15 mark in the final frame to make the score 5-2 in favor of the Bulldogs on a power play opportunity. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Jason Knutson made a strong move to his left side, faked-out the Spartan goalie, and slid the puck just inside the opposite post to give the Bulldogs the 6-2 victory.

Matt Welch made 20 saves in his debut in goal for the Bulldogs en route to picking up the victory.

With the win, the Bulldogs halt a four game losing skid and pick up their first victory of 2008. The special teams played a huge role in the win for the home team. The Bulldogs were 6-of-7 (85.7%) on the penalty kill while going 3-of-9 (33.3%) on the power play for the night.

The Bulldogs and the Spartans will face off again tomorrow night, January 11, at 9:00 p.m. in East Lansing.