The Aurora University men's hockey team lost to the 12th ranked Raiders of Milwaukee School of Engineering on Saturday afternoon 2-1. But the final score wasn't the biggest take away from the day. It was the goal at 8:37 of the second period from Spartan Dan Zielecki that had the Spartan crowd rain teddy bears on to the ice for Toys for Tots Teddy Bear Toss day. In all, 109 teddy bears will be donated to Toys for Tots during the holiday season for children in need.

Watch the goal and teddy bear toss here - watch now
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: #12 Milwaukee School of Engineering 2, Aurora University 1
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois - Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-7-2, 1-4-1 NCHA; Milwaukee School of Engineering 7-3-1, 4-2 NCHA
GAME TIME: 2:10
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans controlled the pace of play throughout the game and held a distinct advantage in shots on net, 36-21.
- Midway through the first period, MSOE got on the board first. The 4v3 power play goal held up into the first intermission.
- At 8:37 of the second, after numerous near misses, AU tied the game. A dump in from Danny O'Donnell found the stick of Dan Zielecki in front of the net. Zielecki buried the shot and teddy bears found the ice.
- Late in the second, MSOE took back the lead on an even strength tally.
- The third period was scoreless but an exciting frantic back and forth pace keeping the AU crowd at the edge of their seats.
- The Spartans had a 6v4 power player when they pulled the goalie in the final 43 seconds but a couple shots went just wide in an effort to tie the game.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS 
Goals:  Dan Zielecki(1)
Assist:  Danny O'Donnell (1)
Saves:  Jake Gwillim (19)
 
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