ADRIAN, Michigan – Sophomore Nate Rogers and Senior Michael Romund scored 55 seconds apart to help lead the MSOE Hockey team to a 3-1 victory over #8 Adrian.

The Raiders (10-12-4, #4 NCHA-S) took down #8 Adrian (18-7-1, #1 NCHA-S) Friday evening, at Arrington Ice Arena, in the first game of the NCHA tournament series between the #1 and #4 seeded teams.

Fans thought they were going to see the first goal of the evening as Sophomore Adam Ostrowski hit the pipe 2:33 into the game after Sophomore Stian Owens won a faceoff to set up the shot. However, the fans would have to wait.  Both teams were feeling each other out as they skated to a scoreless first period. 

Things started to heat up in the second period as both shots and penalties started to add up.  The Raiders would light the lamp first.  Sophomore Nate Rogers would finish off a nice pass from Freshman Brandon Turer at 8:54.  The fans would not have to wait long as Senior Michael Romund scored off a nice assist from Sophomore Will Gauthier and Junior Zack Davis at 9:49. 

Adrian would not go away quietly as Braden Hellems finished off a nice setup from Cory Dunn and Dino Balsamo at 13:09.  The second period ended with MSOE leading 2-1. 

The third period was surely going to provide an exciting conclusion.  As Adrian pushed forward to score an equalizer, MSOE started to capitalize on their patience and game awareness.  The Raiders found themselves in favorable match-ups numerous times, but could not rip the net.  However, at 15:43, Sophomore Jeff Makowski stole a pass from Adrian and found himself one on one with the goalie.  His initial shot was saved, but he was there to put in the rebound for a much-needed short-handed goal.

Sophomore Rock Boynton tended the net and saved 31 of 32 shots faced and the defense provided the much needed support to hold of the Bulldogs. 

The Raiders return to the ice for the second game of the series, Saturday at 2:05pm in Adrian, Michigan.