The Aurora University men's hockey team began their first round of the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs on Friday afternoon, with the #4 seed Spartans squaring off against #5 seed Milwaukee School of Engineering. After Hassan Akl found the equalizer for the Spartans in the second period, an overtime goal from Jake Code gave AU the 2-1 victory over the Raiders at Fox Valley Ice Arena.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 2, Milwaukee School of Engineering 1 - overtime
LOCATION: Fox Valley Ice Arena - Geneva, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 14-11-1 overall, Milwaukee School of Engineering 14-10-2 overall


- Each team played to a scoreless first period as AU put six shots on goal in the first frame.
- The Spartans headed to a couple of power plays including a 5v4 advantage at the end period, but were unable to find the back of the net.
- 10:45 into the second period, the Raiders scored the game's first goal.
- It took less than four minutes for AU to secure the equalizer. Hassan Akl received a pass from Connor Smith and went top shelf to tie the score at 1.
- Derrick Budz was also credited with an assist on the play.
- Shorlty after the Spartan goal, a breakaway gave the Raiders an opportunity to take the lead, but a leg save from Jacob MuCitelli kept the score knotted at 1.
- AU headed to the power play with just seven second left in the second period.
- The Spartans did out-shoot the visitors 21-16 in the second period.
- After securing the power play to start the third, AU was unable to take the lead.
- Each team played to a scoreless third frame with only one penalty, setting the stage for overtime.
- A couple of shots on goal from Matt Weber and Jackson Hay early in the overtime period nearly gave the Spartans the 2-1 victory.
- Just over a minute into overtime, Chase Broda swung to Jakson Hay for the one-timer that was saved, but Jake Code was there for the rebound and game winning goal.


Points: Jake Code, Connor Smith, Jakson Hay, Chase Broda, Hassan Akl and Derrick Budz (1)
Goals: Jake Code and Hassan Akl (1)
Assists: Connor Smith, Jakcson Hay, Chase Broda and Derrick Budz (1)
Saves: Jacob MuCitelli (24)
 

Next action for the Spartan men's hockey team comes on Saturday, February 17 when they host Milwaukee School of Engineering in the second game of the first round of the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is slated for 11:00 a.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois.