(Canton, MI) The Cardinals Men's Hockey team opened up their season by hosting Duquesne Friday evening. Concordia won the season and home opener 3-1, thanks to a hattrick from sophomore Zane Rydel.
Rydel scored all of the Cardinals' three goals on the night, while Ethan Lindle tallied two assists. Zachary Janis saved 19 shots between the pipes for Concordia.
Both sides were unable to get much going offensively for the start of the first period. The Cardinals had a pair of power play opportunities that they failed to capitalize on. It wasn't until two minutes were remaining in the period that Zane Rydel was able to break through the Cards and give them a one goal advantage heading into the second.
The second period was closely contested throughout, but the Dukes were able to even things up with five minutes remaining when Maximus Maddalo found the back of the net.
The Cardinals killed a pair of penalties, playing three on five hockey without conceding a goal in the third period. Shortly after, Zane Rydel scored his second goal of the night to give the Cardinals the lead again. Then with less than two minutes remaining, Zane Rydel scored once again to complete the hattrick and put the game away.
The Cardinals will face off against the Dukes again tomorrow, Saturday September 23rd, with a 5 PM puck drop at the Arctic Edge.
