The Lindenwood men's hockey team (5-14-0) fell by a score of 4-3 to North Dakota (8-8-4, 3-5-2 NCHC) on Friday night from Grand Forks, N.D.

GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood came out firing as David Gagnon gave the Lions the lead just 50 seconds into the game. Off an offensive zone draw, Gagnon pounced on a rebound, giving Lindenwood an early 1-0 lead, which was assisted by Drew Kuzma and Joe Prouty. Less than two minutes later, the Lions doubled their lead when Hunter Johannes took a feed from Gagnon, got the puck down low on a man advantage and put it towards goal and it ended up in the back of the net. Kyle Jeffers also earned a helper on the tally that made it 2-0.

North Dakota responded less than a minute later, cutting the lead to 2-1. Just over a minute later, Caige Sterzer picked up the puck, walked in and wristed on past the Fighting Hawks netminder to restore the two-goal lead just 5:19 into the game. North Dakota wouldn't go away, however, finding the back of the net at the 11:51 mark, as the score was 3-2 after 20 minutes of play.

The second period was all about Trent Burnham. Lindenwood struggled to maintain any offensive momentum but the Eagle Rivers, Alaska native stopped all 13 shots against in the middle frame to preserve a 3-2 advantage for Lindenwood after the second period.

Burnham continued his strong play into the third period, keeping the one-goal lead intact. The Fighting Hawks found the equalizer at the 7:04 mark of the third period, tying the game 3-3. The contest continued with that score line late into the finale frame. North Dakota was able to find the go-ahead goal with on the powerplay with less than four minutes to go, grabbing a 4-3 lead late. Lindenwood pulled its goalie for the extra attacker, but couldn't find the equalizer, as it fell 4-3 in the series opener.

GAME LEADERS
Gagnon (one goal, one assist)
Kuzma (one assist, seven FOW)
Burnham (37 saves)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood concludes its series with North Dakota tomorrow evening, beginning at 6:07 p.m. in Grand Forks, N.D.