LEWISTON, N.Y. -- The No. 5 Adrian College Men's ACHA Division 1 hockey team made its way over to Niagara Falls this weekend for a top-ten battle with the No. 9 Niagara University Purple Eagles. A 3-2 shootout victory on Friday and a 5-2 triumph on Saturday gave the Bulldogs the road sweep.

Adrian and Niagara had met three previous times over the last two seasons, with the Bulldogs earning two wins to Niagara's one in that span. Friday's heated top-ten match-up was a strong test for the Bulldogs who recently moved from No. 12 in the nation, all the way up to No. 5. The Bulldogs and Purple Eagles traded goals in the second frame of Friday night's contest to open the scoring. Niagara struck first on the power-play before Dylan Gajewski rattled his seventh of the season off the post and in to tie it at one. The Purple Eagles tallied again with just under two minutes remaining in the second period, though the Bulldogs answered back quickly as Keegan DeCaluwe potted his third of the year with 37 seconds remaining to leave it 2-2 heading into period three. A scoreless third meant overtime was needed, but after a back-and-forth overtime period with no scoring, the two squads went shot for shot in a shootout. Sebastian Smith and Alex Schaumburger found the back of the net with some beautiful moves, while Peyton Trzaska shut the door in the shootout to secure the Bulldog's 3-2 victory. In the game, Trzaska made 32 saves on 34 shots.

To close the series on Saturday, the Bulldogs were quickly down to the Purple Eagles, giving up a shorthanded and power-play goal in the first period. Down 2-0, Adrian responded well by scoring three unanswered goals over a four-minute span to take the 3-2 lead. Justin Jamer scored twice, while Matthew DiCesare potted one as well, all from the hard-working help of Cameron Armstrong who collected three assists. Early in the third period, the trio added another to give the Bulldogs a cushion as DiCesare connected on a one-timer from Jamer and Armstrong. A late push from Niagara came up short as the Adrian defense stood tall, resulting in Schaumburger throwing one into a yawning cage to seal the 5-2 victory. Jamer and Armstrong led the way and both finished the night with four points, while DiCesare ended with two goals and an assist. Trzaska stopped 32 shots in his ninth victory of the season, improving Adrian to 10-1-2.

The No. 5 MD1 Bulldogs will welcome the Davenport University Panthers to the Arrington Ice Arena on Thursday, November 14 for a 7:30 PM GL6 conference tune-up. Adrian and Davenport will then clash the next night in Grand Rapids at 8:35 PM.

Justin Jamer joined us for a post-game interview with thoughts on his line's big night and the sweep of Niagara.