A three goal third period by the Aurora University Spartans forced overtime on Saturday afternoon between AU and Northland College. But 1:17 into the overtime session, Northland got the game winner to take home the 4-3 win over the Spartans.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northland College 4;  Aurora University 3 - Overtime
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois – Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-15-1 overall and 1-10-1 NCHA; Northland College 5-11-1 overall and 4-8 NCHA
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Late in the first period following an AU five-on-three advantage, Northland's Ben Owen scored on a break away shortly after coming out of the penalty box. He assisted by Oscar Larsson.
The second period was scoreless and was very even with Aurora taking 14 shots and Northland attempting 13.
Early in the third period AU got on the scoreboard. Senior Michael Mikulan got the tally with assists from Trevor Hoth and Anthony Pnewski at 1:05 in the period.
Almost four minutes later the Spartans took the lead with a goal from Tim Santopoalo and the assist off the stick of Trevor Hoth.
Just 33 seconds later and 10 seconds into a power play Northland knotted the game. Anthony Stempin was credited with the goal off his backside with the assist and original shot from Kyle Kuntz. Michael Berens had a secondary assist.
Northland regained the lead late in the third with Kuntz scoring and an assist from Lucas DeBenedet at 14:29 of the third period.
AU battled back and tied the game back up with 4 minutes to play. The Spartan goal was scored by Trevor Hoth with assists from Conor Jonasson and Rudolfs Kalvitis.
The Spartans made several rushes in the final minute, hitting the post twice with no rewards.
The game headed to the sudden victory overtime tied at 3-3.
1:17 into overtime, Northland's Ben Owen tallied the game winning goal from the right point. He got assists from Darius Cole and Michael Berens.
 
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
Aurora had 47 shots on the game compared to 42 for Northland.
The Spartans had 18 penalty minutes and the Jacks had 10.
Spartan Conor Jonasson hit the pipe with just over 30 seconds left in the third period with the game tied 3-3.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
Trevor Hoth scored one goal and recorded two assists.
Michael Mikulan had one goal.
Tim Santopoalo had one goal.
Anthony Pnewski, Jonasson and Rudolfs Kalvitis each had an assist.
Jared Rutledge had 38 saves on the afternoon.
Tom Greene won 12 face-offs for the Spartans
 
FOR THE FOES
Ben Owen scored two goals for Northland including the game winner in OT.
Kyle Kuntz had one goal and one assist.
AJ Smith made 44 saves for the Jacks.
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's hockey team comes on Friday, January 29, 2016 when they travel to the College of St. Scholastica. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. in Duluth, Minnesota.