The Aurora University Spartan men's hockey program will host the Johnnies of Saint John's University (Minn.) in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Saturday, March 14 with puck drop at 1:00 p.m. at the Fox Valley Ice Arena.

The Spartans earned an at-large selection into the 14-team field. AU, 23-5-1 on the season, making their second appearance in the NCAA tournament in the 12th season of the program. The Spartans first appearance last season saw AU go 1-1 with a 3-2 victory over Wisconsin-Eau Claire before falling to SUNY-Geneseo 7-4.

Saint John's (17-6-4) earned the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) tournament championship with a 4-3 overtime win over Gustavus Adolphus this past Saturday.

The NCAA Tournament contest will be the first meeting all-time between the two schools in men's hockey. The winner between the Spartans and Johnnies will advance to play Endicott College (21-3-3) in a national quarterfinal on Saturday, March 21 in Beverly, Mass..

The Johnnies have won 9 of their last 10 contests heading into the NCAA Tournament. Saint John's will be making their first appearance in the tournament since 2013.

TICKET INFORMATION -
Tickets will be available on the day of the game at the gate. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Adults - $10
Seniors/Children/Students - $5