ADRIAN, Mich. – The Harris Cup trophy is staying where it belongs in Adrian, Michigan. The Adrian College NCAA men's hockey team defeated Aurora University 8-1 at the Arrington Ice Arena. With the win, the Bulldogs earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Ayodele Adeniye started the scoring to take an early 1-0 lead on his second goal of the season. Jaden Shields went on to score to lead 2-0 before Mathew Rehding put the Bulldogs up 3-0 entering the first intermission.
 
Aurora scored to start the second, but it was all Adrian the rest of the way. Zachary Heintz scored which was followed a minute and 23 seconds later by a goal from John Kaljian. Twenty-two seconds later, Connor May added a goal to lead 6-1. With the Bulldogs shorthanded, Alessio Luciani skated the length of the ice to score and extend the lead heading into the intermission ahead 7-1.
 
Jacob Suede gave Adrian an insurance goal in the third to put the eighth goal on the board.
 
Nic Tallarico started in goal totaling 30 saves on the night.
 
For the first time in NCHA history, all six members of the All-Tournament Team were members of the same team. Ty Enn, Mathew Rehding, and Alessio Luciani were named the All-Tournament Team forwards while Chase Spencer and Jaden Shields were the All-Tournament defensemen. With four wins in the Harris Cup Playoffs, Nic Tallarico was the All-Tournament goaltender.
 
The 2023 Harris Cup Championship marks the tenth Harris Cup Championship in program history and the second championship in a row.
 
The Bulldogs will await their opponent for the NCAA Tournament that will be announced on the NCAA DIII Men's Hockey Selection Show at 10:00 AM EST. on Monday, March 6. To watch the selection show, go to www.NCAA.com.