SAINT PAUL, MINN.-- The Hamline University men's hockey team fell to No. 5 Aurora 8-2 in a non-conference game on Friday in Geneva, Illinois. This matchup marked the inaugural game between the Spartans and Pipers.

The Pipers fall to 3-7-0 while the nationally-ranked Spartans improve to 9-2-0.

Aurora 8, Hamline 2

The first period began with both teams making substitutions at the goalie position, with Trevor Wong for the Pipers and Jacob Mucitelli for the Spartans. Aurora started strongly, managing several shots on goal early, but all were either blocked or saved by Wong. At 14:57, Chayce Schmidt scored the only goal of the period for Aurora, assisted by Lukas Sedlacek and Jakson Kirk, giving Aurora a 1-0 lead. Towards the end of the period, Aurora's Hassan Akl received a penalty for interference, giving Hamline a power-play opportunity, but they were unable to capitalize before the period ended.

The second frame began with the Spartans exerting offensive pressure, with multiple missed shots in the opening minute. Aurora capitalized on this momentum with two quick goals by Landry Schmuck at 2:03 and 2:27, increasing their lead to 3-0. Aurora continued to dominate as Eddie Paulissian scored on a power play at 6:05, making it 4-0. Hamline responded with Nicolas Haviar scoring on their own power play at 14:35, ending the period with a score of 4-1 in favor of the Spartans.

The third period began with Aurora taking control early, as Chase Broda scored at 1:26 to extend their advantage to 6-1. Aurora maintained their momentum with Jacob Brockman scoring at 6:05, followed by Chayce Schmidt at 7:14, pushing the score to 7-1. Hamline's Brandon McNamara received a penalty for roughing at 5:38, leading to a power-play goal by Juliano Santalucia at 15:11, increasing Aurora's advantage to 8-1. Hamline managed to respond with a power-play goal by Tommy Carls at 17:44, but the period ended with Aurora winning 8-2.

Tommy Carls stood out for the Pipers with a notable contribution of one goal and one assist, accumulating two points. His performance included a power-play goal, highlighting his offensive impact. Nicolas Haviar also made a significant mark by scoring a goal, which was on a power play, adding to his one-point tally. Goalie Trevor Wong made a notable contribution in the net with 37 saves, despite conceding eight goals.

The Spartans featured several standout players. Landry Schmuck led the team with three points, including two goals and one game-winning goal. His plus-minus rating of three highlighted his all-around contribution. Jacob Brockman also had three points, scoring one goal and assisting on two others, while maintaining a plus-minus of three. Additionally, Brockman was active in faceoffs, winning seven out of 18. Eddie Paulissian contributed with a power-play goal and boasted a faceoff win percentage of 76, winning 10-of-13. Andrew Schultz and Hassan Akl both had a plus-minus of three, with Akl also achieving a faceoff win percentage of 66. Jacob Mucitelli made 24 saves in net for the Spartans.

The Pipers will aveange today's loss against No. 5 Aurora tomorrow, Saturday, December 14 at 3 p.m. in Geneva, Illinois.