GENEVA, Ill. – The Adrian College NCAA men's hockey team traveled to Aurora University on Friday night to open a two-game NCHA conference series. In a top-three national matchup, the No. 2 Bulldogs battled the No. 3 Spartans, with Aurora capitalizing on home ice to take a 6-4 win.

Aurora jumped out to a fast start in the first period, scoring three goals, including one on the power play. Adrian responded in the second period, tying the game just two and a half minutes in. Ian Amsbaugh put the Bulldogs on the board with a shorthanded goal, followed moments later by another shorthanded tally from Nathaniel Bannister. Amsbaugh struck again to even the score at 3-3.

The third period remained tight until a breakdown in Adrian's defensive zone allowed Aurora to regain the lead. With time winding down, the Bulldogs were forced to pull their goaltender, leading to an Aurora empty-net goal and a 5-3 deficit. After a timeout, Patrick Saini scored with 1:28 remaining to pull Adrian within one, but another empty-netter sealed the 6-4 victory for the Spartans.

The game was penalty-heavy, with Aurora finishing 1-for-8 on the power play while Adrian went 0-for-6.

Julien Jacob and Jacob Suede each recorded an assist for the Bulldogs. Goaltender Ryan Piros made 23 saves in the loss.

Adrian and Aurora conclude the conference series tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 PM ET.