The Aurora University men's hockey team played their second game in the first round of the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs on Saturday afternoon, as the #4 seed Spartans looked to eliminate #5 seed Milwaukee School of Engineering after yesterday's 2-1 overtime win. An early three goal lead and two goal game from both Jakson Kirk and Derrick Budz allowed the Spartans to cruise to the 5-1 victory and semifinals of the Harris Cup Playoffs.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 5, Milwaukee School of Engineering 1
LOCATION: Fox Valley Ice Arena - Geneva, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 15-11-1 overall, Milwaukee School of Engineering 14-11-2 overall


- AU didn't waste much time grabbing a 1-0 lead heading to the power play about halfway through the first period. 
- Jake Code tee'd up Juliano Santalucia for the one-timer that found the back of the net. Chase Broda also picked up an assist on the play.
- The Spartans put 13 shots on goal in the opening period to just five for the Raiders and took their 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
- It took only 2:19 into the second period for Juliano Santalucia to fire a shot on goal that was saved, but Derrick Budz was there for the rebound to knock it in.
- Giovanni Procopio was also credited with an assist on the play, helping give AU the 2-0 lead.
- Before the goal was announced, Jakson Kirk found the back of the net for another even strength Spartan goal.
- Chayce Schmidt and Jakson Hay assisted Kirk on the play.
- The Raiders scored a 5v4 power play goal towards the end of the second period trimming AU's lead to 3-1 heading into the final period.
- Jacob MuCitelli came up with 11 saves in the second period.
- Kirk netted his second goal of the game at the 11:39 mark of the final period with the duo of Santalucia and Schmidt teaming up again for the assists.
- Budz added another 5v4 power play goal with about three minutes to go, his second goal of the game.
- Tyler Pang and Matt Weber picked up the assists on the play helping the Spartans to the 5-1 victory.


Points: Juliano Santalucia (3), Jakson Kirk, Chayce Schmidt and Derrick Budz (2)
Goals: Jakson Kirk and Derrick Budz (2) and Juliano Santalucia (1)
Assists: Juliano Santalucia and Chayce Schmidt (2)
Saves: JaCob MuCitelli (27)
 

Next action for the Spartan men's hockey team comes on Saturday, February 24 when they travel to Adrian College for the semi round series of the 2023-2024 NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is to be determined at Arrington Ice Arena in Adrian, Michigan.