ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College NCAA men's hockey team opened the season at home against the No. 3 ranked Utica University Pioneers. The Bulldogs started the night honoring their 2022 National Championship team with the banner raising ceremony. The Bulldogs kept the winning streak alive as they came away with a 4-3 victory in overtime.
 
In the first period, the Bulldogs struck early on a goal from Matus Spodniak to lead 1-0. Utica went on to answer minutes later and tie the game. The Pioneers took the lead on a goal to lead 2-1 heading into the first intermission.
 
Utica came out in the second period and made it a quick 3-1 game after finding themselves on a breakaway. The Bulldogs responded later in the period to make it 3-2. Chase Spencer took a shot from the blue line that deflected off the stick of Mathew Rehding finding the back of the net.
The Bulldogs went on to tie the game in the third period on a goal from Riley Murphy to make it 3-3 and force overtime. Utica won the opening faceoff in overtime and controlled for the first 45 seconds. Jaden Shields picked up a steal and skated down the ice dishing the pass to Spodniak who put it in the back of the net for the game winner.
 
Nic Tallarico got the start in goal for the Bulldogs making 21 saves.
 
Adrian and Utica resume its two-game series tomorrow afternoon with a 3:00 PM puck drop.