(Howell, MI) – Concordia men's hockey traveled to Cleary on Friday night to begin a home-and-home series. The game featured an explosion of offense with the Cardinals erasing a 4-1 deficit to take the lead. The contest would go to overtime tied 6-6 with Cleary prevailing in a shootout.

Anthony Seykora started in goal, making one save. Cleary jumped out to a quick start with three unanswered goals in the first 4 minutes. Zachary Janis came in to play goalie for the rest of the game, notching 26 saves. Concordia got on the board when Bryce Iott scored with Ethan Lindle and Derek Hebner assisting. However, Cleary took a 4-1 lead after the first period.

The second period saw the Cardinals mount a comeback effort with two goals in a row. Kyle Hebner scored with an assist by Bryce Iott and Carson Ediger found the back of the net with helpers by Jack Kallsen and Jackson Blough. Cleary led 5-3 after the second period.

The Cardinals continued to battle back when Brandon Troyer scored unassisted just 15 seconds into the third period. Tyler Bienek tied the game with Nicholas Twombley drawing the assist. Derek Hebner recorded a go-ahead goal with Ethan Lindle and Quinn Bieniek picking up helpers. However, Cleary tied the contest 6-6 and forced overtime.

Both teams traded opportunities in the five-minute overtime period, but the game headed to a shootout. In the first round, both Cleary and Concordia scored with Quinn Bieniek converting for his team. The Cougars scored in the second round and that goal would hold up as the winner.

Concordia will host Cleary tomorrow at 4:30pm to wrap up the series.