The Aurora University Spartan men's hockey team dropped a physical, penalty filled NCHA contest with Concordia Wisconsin on Saturday night, losing 3-2.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Concordia University Wisconsin 3, Aurora University 2
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois – Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS: Aurora University 3-6-0; 3-3-0 NCHA; Concordia Wisconsin 7-4-1; 4-3-1 NCHA
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spartans took on Concordia University Wisconsin in the second night of a two game series.
AU scored the opening goal late in the first period as Rihards Marenis found himself on a breakaway and converted. He was assisted by Jared Rutledge and Anthony Pnewski.
The first period was very physical with both teams going on the power play several times with nine penalties being called.
The Falcons score on an early power play in the second period as Brandt Weldon scored and was assisted by Connor Hogg at 4:38.
Concordia Wisconsin scored to take the lead 2-1 at 14:34 of the second when Dante Hahn and Tanner Bull assisted Jim Pearson.
With 18 seconds left in the second period, the Spartans tied the game. Drew Doyon scored with an assist from Tim Santopoalo.
The Falcons score the game winning goal 4:13 into the third when Dante Hahn assists Jim Pearson for the goal.
AU pulled Rutledge for an extra attacker in the final 1:51 but couldn't get the tying tally and fell 3-2.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
Jared Rutledge had 44 saves on the night.
The Spartans recorded 18 shots compared to the Falcons 47
Aurora had 38 penalty minutes and Concordia Wisconsin had 50
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Goals: Rihards Marenis and Drew Doyon (1)
Assists: Anthony Pnewski, Jared Rutledge and Tim Santopoalo (1)
Saves: Jared Rutledge (44)
Faceoffs: Bayley Marshall 17 for 30
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's hockey team comes on Saturday, December 10 when they host St. Mary's University (Minnesota) at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois. Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m.