Box Score The men's hockey team opened the 2021 season tonight with a trip to Adrian, Michigan to take on Adrian College. The Saints will return home 0-1 on the season after a hard-fought 4-1 defeat to the Bulldogs.

Adrian would prove to be a tough test for the Saints in their opener. The Bulldogs are one of the top teams, nationally in the ACHA, and the Saints have had a quick turnaround from returning to campus and practice just a few weeks ago. Still, the Saints played the Bulldogs tough, as the teams finished the first 20 minutes of play scoreless and a 0-0 tie. 

The Bulldogs would break the deadlock and get on the board first with a powerplay goal at the 7:46 mark in the 2nd period. It would remain just 1-0 heading into the 2nd intermission and the Saints remained in a fight for momentum. Unfortunately, another Bulldog powerplay would result in another goal early in the third period to make it 2-0. In the end, it would be the special teams play that made the big difference in the game, with Adrian converting two of eight powerplays and recording a shorthanded goal, and the Saints connecting on just one of five extra-man opportunities. 

The Adrian shorthanded goal made the score 3-0 and seemingly put the game away for the hosts. The Saints did respond quickly with a powerplay goal by Brandon Rozema to start off the scoring for the season, cutting the lead to 3-1. Russell Shengulette assisted on the play for the Saints. However, the Bulldogs would add an empty net goal late in the game to put the finishing touches on the 4-1 win. Nick Ottenbacher was strong in net for the Saints, making 41 saves on the night.

The Saints will be back in action on Saturday, January 30th when they host Adrian in the 2021 home opener at Southside Ice Arena. Puck drops at 8:00 am.