(Chelsea, MI) – Concordia men's hockey hosted Cleary to begin a weekend series on Friday night.  The Cardinals entered the game 1-4 overall, looking to pick up their second win of the year.  CUAA jumped out to an early lead and maintained control throughout the game to win 7-2.

Elijah Gibbons started in goal for Concordia, making 44 saves.  Brandon Troyer took the Cardinals' first shot on goal during early 4-on-4 play after coincidental minors.  Tristan Waechter opened scoring with 4:56 remaining in the period with Tyler Groth drawing the assist.  The Cardinals had a late powerplay chance with Abel Christians ringing a shot off the crossbar, but CUAA led 1-0 after the first period.

Concordia extended their lead in the second period when Riley Wagner scored on a quick shot from the right wing with assists going to Jacob Gerace and Thomas Hendry.  The Cardinals struck again on a 4-on-3 powerplay when Tyler Groth scored with assists to Abel Christians and Quinn Bieniek.  Cleary managed to break the shutout, but Concordia responded when a Tyler Groth shot from the point found its way into the net with Hunter Kepple and Kyle Hebner drawing assists.  CUAA led 4-1 after the second period.

Hunter Kepple gave Concordia a 5-2 lead with a goal assisted by Richie Hayward and Brandon Troyer.  Cleary scored on the powerplay but the Cardinals answered just over a minute later when Quinn Bieniek snuck in a wristshot from the right side.  A one-timer goal by Brandon Troyer with assists to Tyler Groth and Abel Christians completed scoring in the game and CUAA secured the 7-2 win.

Concordia will travel to Cleary tomorrow at 6:30pm to complete the weekend series.