LAKE PLACID, N.Y. -- Its been a long time coming for the Adrian College NCAA men's hockey team as they are back in the NCAA National Championship Game for the first time since 2011. The No. 1 Bulldogs took on No. 4 Augsburg University in the Frozen Four semifinal game on Friday afternoon taking home a 5-1 victory with the help of a pair of empty net goals late in the third period.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring late in the first period with a goal from Sam Ruffin to net his 17th of the season. Matt Eller and Ty Enns picked up assists to lead 1-0. Not too long after, Trevor Coykendall found the back of the net to make it a 2-0 game with assists to the freshman duo of Ryan Pitoscia and Matt Couto.

The second period went scoring keeping the 2-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes of play. Augsburg had an opportunity in the second period on a 5-on-3, but the Adrian defense held strong to keep the Auggies scoreless.

Augsburg struck first in the third period on a short breakaway to make it a one goal game. Zach Goberis answered two minutes later to reclaim the two goal lead. Adrian was able to hold on in the third period forcing Augsburg to pull their goalie with two minutes. Adrian netted a pair of empty net goals by Hunter Wendt and Goberis to lock up the 5-1 victory.

Cameron Gray stays undefeated with a 22-0 record on the season as he recorded 20 saves for the Bulldogs in goal. 

During the first intermission, the arena recognized All-Americans Matt Eller, Cameron Gray, Alessio Luciani, and Sam Ruffin. Coach Adam Krug was also recognized for winning the AHCA Coach of the Year Award.

Adrian will play in the National Championship game tomorrow night at 7:00 PM as they take on the winner of the other semifinal game between the University of New England and Geneseo.