MILWAUKEE – The MSOE hockey team had a pair of players score in their Raider debuts, but conceded four power play goals in falling to St. Scholastica 4-3 in their season opener Friday night at the Kern Center.

Just one of the seven goals was scored at even strength, but was played with four skaters for each team. The Saints (1-0-0, 1-0-0 NCHA) scored on 4-of-5 power plays, while the Raiders (0-1-0, 0-1-0 NCHA) had a power play goal and shorthanded score themselves.

It was MSOE that struck first, as sophomore transfer Patrick LeBeau scored with just under five minutes remaining in the opening period. Senior Devin Schmitt and freshman Gunnar Regan assist on the goal that came with each team down a man.

CSS took the lead with a three-goal second period, scoring on all three power plays it earned. Derek Sutcliffe knotted the score at 1-1 at 11:30 on assists from Derek Hills and Matt Malenstyn. The Saints then added back-to-back power play goals just 1:15 apart by brothers Brandon, at 4:35, and Dylan Nowakowski, at 3:20.

The Raiders pulled one back, with just under two minutes to play in the period. It was freshman Gage Christianson this time, scoring with an assist from sophomore Cody Ganchar.

Schmitt tied the game with a shorthanded goal at 11:45 of the third period. Christianson provided the assist. Then, Dylan Nowakowski scored his second goal of the game for the game-winner at 4:33 to provide the difference.

The Red and White pushed forward in the final minute, looking to tie the game. It played the final 1:27 with a power play and pulled sophomore goalie Nick Kohn for the final minute, but could not find the back of the net.

Kohn finished with 21 saves, while Colin Rundell stopped 26 shots for CSS.

The Raiders and Saints wrap the weekend series Saturday at the Kern Center. The puck drops at 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lynda Kelley, d3photography.com.