ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College NCAA men's hockey team opened the 20th season of Bulldog hockey on Friday night at the Arrington Ice Arena, hosting No. 6 Utica University. The No. 8-ranked Bulldogs battled the Pioneers into overtime but ultimately fell short, 3-2.
The opening period went scoreless, with both teams recording nine shots on goal. Adrian broke the deadlock in the second period when Patrick Saini found the back of the net to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. Utica responded later in the period to even the score, but Lucas Busch capitalized on a power-play opportunity late in the frame to put Adrian back in front, 2-1, heading into the third period.
Utica tied the game at 2-2 early in the third period, and neither team was able to find the go-ahead goal in regulation, sending the contest into overtime.
In the extra period, a minor penalty gave Utica a 4-on-3 power-play opportunity. Adrian successfully killed off the penalty, but the Pioneers eventually broke through to score the game-winning goal and secure the 3-2 victory.
Justin Mexico, Anton Sorensen, Adam Smith, and Joshua Wiebe each recorded an assist for the Bulldogs.
Adrian finished with a 33-25 advantage in shots on goal. Jaiden Sharma made his collegiate debut in net for the Bulldogs, recording 22 saves.
The Bulldogs will look to earn a series split against Utica tomorrow afternoon when the two teams meet again at the Arrington Ice Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 PM
