Sunday evening the Lindenwood men's ice hockey (1-1-0) played a thrilling contest against the Air Force Falcons, winning in overtime 4-3. The Lions were able to successfully move the puck, earning goals for four different players.
In the opening period, Lindenwood took an early lead (1-0) when Caleb Price and Jake Southgate were able to find Drew Kuzma in scoring position. Air Force responded with a power play goal at the 6:39 mark, to even the score at 1-1. At the conclusion of the period, the teams remained tied.
Lindenwood dominated the ice during the second, scoring twice and only conceding one goal. At 11:43, Southgate scored on a pass from Ethan Zielke and Kabore Dunn. Moments later (15:11) Dunn and Kieran Ruscheinski smoothly slid the puck to Caige Sterzer, who nailed the goal for the Lions. At the 16:43 mark, Air Force was able to bring the score within one with a goal. Heading into the final period in regulation, Lindenwood held a one-goal advantage (3-2).
The third period was a series of shots and faceoffs as both teams played defensively. For the Lions, they worked to score but to also maintain their advantage, while the Falcons were looking to score and force overtime. With one second remaining in regulation (19:59), Air Force scored to tie the contest at three each and the teams prepared for overtime.
Overtime started with AF winning the faceoff, but it ended with David Gagnon scoring the game winning goal on a pass from K. Jeffers.
The Lions will travel to face the 15th ranked Ohio State University in a two-game series on Friday and Saturday October 13th and 14th. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 pm CST on Friday and 4:00 pm CST on Saturday. Friday's contest will be broadcast on 590 The Fan and Lindenwood's own 89.1 The Wood on Saturday.
