The Aurora University hockey team led the No. 9 ranked St. Norbert College Green Knights 1-0 heading into the third period on Friday night at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. But a four goal third period against the Spartans saw AU drop the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association contest 4-1.
THE BASICSFINAL SCORE:Â #9 St. Norbert College 4, Aurora University 1
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois – Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS:Â Aurora University 1-3-1, NCHA 1-1-1 ; St. Norbert College 4-1, NCHA 4-1
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HOW IT HAPPENEDDespite being out shot 16 to 5 in the opening period, AU and SNC were tied 0-0 after the first period.
Midway through the second period with four on four play, AU got the games first goal from
Anthony Pnewski on a wrister as he was assisted by
Justin Gregory at 8:11.
AU led 1-0 through two periods but had a 34 to 9 shot disadvantage.
Early in the third period, at 3:24 the Green Knights tied the game with a goal by Steven Philips.
The Green Knights gained the lead at 8:54 of the third with a goal by Storm Wahlrab and assists from Sean Campbell and Roman Uchyn.
Late in the third, the Green Knights added a goal from Erik Cooper who was assisted by Michael Hill.
With 1:13 to play, the Green Knights finished the scoring with an empty net goal by Noah Nelson.
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BEYOND THE BOX SCORESt. Norbert out shot Aurora on the night 54 to 17, 37 to 15 when even strength.
The Spartans recorded 9 penalties for 18 minutes and the Green Knights recorded 5 for 10 minutes.
The fourth St. Norbert goal came with an empty net.
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FOR THE SPARTANSJared Rutledge had 50 saves on the night.
Connor Johasson won 12 face offs for Aurora.
Anthony Pnewski scored a goal for Aurora.
Justin Gregory had an assist on the night.
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FOR THE FOESTony Kujava had 16 saves on the game.
Erik Cooper won 19 face offs for St. Norbert.
Steven Philips had a goal and two assists for the Green Knights.
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UP NEXTNext action for the Spartan men's hockey team comes on Saturday, November 14 when they host St. Norbert College. Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m. at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois.