UTICA, NY - The #2 ranked Utica University men's hockey team was back on the ice on Saturday afternoon to wrap up a two-game set against #10 Adrian. Despite a second period comeback that saw the team finally open up the offense, the Pioneers couldn't net a decisive goal in the third period, as they allowed the Bulldogs to draw net twice in the final period, eventually losing by a 5-3 final.

The game once was again characterized by a Utica team that was out of sorts on a few separate occasions, with the dangerous Bulldogs taking advantage of a few orange and blue miscues. Even with those setbacks, though, the Pioneers' immense talent shone through a bit more in Saturday's contest, evident in a trio of top-tier goals that helped the team level the affair heading into the final period. Even with the added scores, the hosts struggled on the power play once again, going 0-4 on the afternoon including an 0-3 third period. 

The #10 Bulldogs had more control of the play in this matchup, outshooting Utica by a slim 29-27 margin, while also securing 30 of the 56 total faceoff chances. 

The Pioneers had three different goal scorers in the Saturday showdown. 

Gabriel Lundberg (Gothenburg, Sweden) continued his hot start to the season, getting his second goal in as many nights as he landed a shot from the slot to level the game at one apiece. 

After two Adrian scores, Eric Vitale (Toronto, Ontario) pulled one back on a redirect, getting the team within one score as the second period ticked down.

However, it was transfer forward Hunter Longhi (Collinsville, IL) who had the goal of the night. Longhi had an opportunity at net from just outside the slot, sending a shot off the post. The puck bounced behind the Adrian goaltender, before Longhi tracked it down and batted it into the net with an aerial swing of his stick. Longhi's score was the equalizer the Pioneers needed, knotting the game at 3-all during the later stages of the second. 

The Pioneers piled up six assists across the three goals. Sal Cerrato (St. Louis, MO) had two apples, while the quartet of Davis Goukler (Cumming, GA), Jaguar McClelland, Aiden Hughes (Mississauga, Ontario), and Preston Brighton (Castle Rock, CO) all had one assist each.

Frank Murphy (Mississauga, Ontario) started in net for the orange and blue, with the freshman making his regular season debut. He grabbed 24 saves, including a 10-save second period.

The Pioneers will now look towards next Thursday, as a rematch against #1 nationally ranked Hobart is on the horizon. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM next Thursday at the Adirondack Bank Center. Keep an eye on the Utica Hockey and Utica Athletics social media pages for information about special in-arena deals and discounts for that contest!