The Lindenwood men's hockey team (5-15-0) fell in the series finale to North Dakota (9-8-4, 3-5-2 NCHC) by a score of 4-2 on Saturday night from Grand Forks, N.D.

GAME OVERVIEW
For the second time in as many games, Lindenwood opened the scoring. Off an offensive zone faceoff win by Drew Kuzma, Jack Anderson found David Gagnon open in the slot foe a one-timer that he buried, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, again with a faceoff in the offensive zone, Mitch Allard won it to Adam Conquest who slid the puck in front to Caige Sterzer, who found the back of the net for the second time in as many games, giving Lindenwood a 2-0 lead at the 12:47 mark of the opening period. North Dakota tried to regain momentum with the powerplay, but the penalty kill was strong for Lindenwood in the opening frame, along with some timely saves by Trent Burnham who stopped all 15 shots against, as Lindenwood led 2-0 after 20 minutes of play.

The Lions killed off the remainder of a five-minute major penalty to begin the period. However, North Dakota cut into the Lindenwood lead shortly after, making the score 2-1. The pressure from the Fighting Hawks continued, as they tied the game 2-2 at the 6:11 mark of the middle period. Lindenwood settled down, with the help of the penalty kill, seeing the period continue with the same score. The Lions earned a late man advantage opportunity but were able to capitalize. After 40 minutes of play, the game was tied 2-2.  

The third period remained tied until just past the hallway mark if the final frame, when the Fighting Hawks took the lead for the first time on the night. North Dakota added another late goal and were able to hold on for the 4-2 victory in the series finale.

GAME LEADERS
Gagnon (one goal, six shots)
Anderson (one assist, four blocked shots)
Kuzma (one assist, nine FOW)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will travel to Brooklyn, N.Y. for a two-game series with the LIU Sharks, which begins on Friday, January 20 at 7:00 p.m. CT.