Viking Hockey hands No. 5/6 North Dakota its first preseason exhibition loss since 1996

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Augustana hockey team handed No. 5/6 North Dakota its first preseason exhibition loss since the 1996-97 season with a score of 4-1 Saturday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Brett Meerman scored two goals in the affair.

Augustana took an early 2-0 lead in the first period and continued its momentum in the second period to take a 3-0 lead. In the final period of the game, both teams conceded as Augustana defeated the Fighting Hawks 4-1.

Augustana opened the first period in style with a goal 2:20 into the first period when Meerman buried a rebound in the rubber Will Svenddals shot from the point. Simon Falk received the second assist. Eight minutes later, Tyler Hennen create a chance in the offensive zone Nace Langus to drive hard to the net and hole in Augustana's second round.

Both teams fought for possession of the ball in the second third and spent 20 minutes of the game together in the penalty area. Quinn Rudrud extended Augustana's lead to three by redirecting passes in front of the net Payton Matsui And Colton Friesen.

Meerman opened the scoring 3:41 into the third period when he scored his second goal of the night on a weak side shot. Luke Mobley and Matsui contributed further assists. North Dakota scored its only goal of the game on a power play goal from the point with 9:41 left. Both teams fought back and forth in the final frame and created numerous scoring opportunities, but the score remained 4-1 until the final buzzer.

Game moments

• Meerman scored two goals and was named player of the match.
• Rudrud and Langus each scored a goal.
• Josh Kotai And Christian Manz the same time shared between the pipes. Kotai made 15 saves and Manz stopped 13 times.
• Augustana edged the Fighting Hawks by 5.2 percent on faceoffs. Callum Gau went 100 percent as he won all five attempts.
• Augustana handed North Dakota its first loss in a preseason exhibition game since the 1996-97 season.

Goals

• Meerman scored the first goal of the game after a Svenddal shot from the back door. Falk scored his second assist of the game.
• Langus shot hard into the net for his second goal of the game. T. Hennen grabbed the first assist.
• After Matsui shot into the net, Rudrud scored Augustana's third goal. Friesen grabbed the second assist.
• Meerman scored his second goal of the night off passes from Mobley and Matsui.
• UND scored its only goal in the third period on a power play point shot.

Next

Augustana opens the regular season on home ice by hosting Long Island University on Friday and Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. and 6:07 p.m. at Midco Arena.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at GoAugie.com/Tickets.

– GoAugie.com –