The Lindenwood men's hockey team (8-21-2) picked up a win in the series opener against Alaska Anchorage (5-23-5) by a final score of 6-4. With the win, Lindenwood has set a program record for single-season wins at the Division I level.

GAME OVERVIEW
The Lions got started quickly as Jack Anderson found Jaeden Mercier who found the back of the net just 33 seconds in, putting Lindenwood ahead 1-0. David Gagnon also picked up an assist on the first score of the game. The Seawolves tied the game at one just before the midway point of the opening period. UAA took the lead late in the first frame and held a 2-1 advantage after 20.

Lindenwood tied the game on a powerplay goal early in the middle frame when Mercier banged home a rebound off a Ty Hipkin shot. The goal was also assisted by Joe Prouty. The Lions took the lead at the 6:23 mark of the second period. John Evans sent a bouncing puck on net from center ice, the Seawolves netminder couldn't handle the rebound and Noah Houle was there to put it home, making the score 3-2. The Black and Gold held a one-goal lead heading to the third.

Anchorage tied the game at three 13 seconds into the third. Lindenwood kept working and regained the lead once again at the 14:27 mark of the period. Mercier got his third goal of the night off a deflection from a Gagnon shot, putting the Lions ahead 4-3. 16 seconds later, Kristoff Papp found himself alone in front of the net and make no mistake, giving the Black and Gold a 5-3 lead. He was assisted by Brady Yakesh. Anchorage got within one at the 2:26 mark, cutting the deficit to 5-4. Less than a minute later, Lindenwood was able to win a defensive zone faceoff and Gagnon buried an empty-net goal to seal a 6-4 victory for the Lions.

GAME LEADERS
Jaeden Mercier (three goals)
David Gagnon (one goal, two assists)
Kristoff Papp (one goal, 10 FOW)

UP NEXT
The Lions and Seawolves will matchup again tomorrow for the final game of the season, Puck drop is set for 10:07 p.m. CT