SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario – The Concordia Wisconsin ACHA men's hockey team crossed the international border on Saturday evening to open a two-game weekend series against Sault College. The Falcons showed some fight in the second period, but the Cougars came away with a 4-1 victory. The result moves Concordia to 0-7 on the season.

The Cougars wasted little time establishing an early advantage, finding the back of the net twice in the opening period to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

Sault continued to build on its advantage in the second period, adding another goal to extend the lead to three.

The Falcons refused to go quietly, however, breaking through late in the middle frame to get on the scoreboard.

Junior Michael Anderson provided the offensive spark for the Blue and White, firing a shot from the high slot that found the back of the net. Junior Tyler Reinke helped set up the scoring opportunity, collecting an assist on the play.

The goal gave Concordia something to build on heading into the final 20 minutes, but the Cougars quickly answered. Sault capitalized on a power-play opportunity in the opening minute of the third period to restore its three-goal cushion.

The Falcons continued to battle against a Sault offense that maintained a steady presence in the offensive zone throughout the contest.

Despite the result, senior Austin Bartell (New Berlin, Wis.) turned in a busy evening between the pipes for Concordia. Bartell stood tall against a barrage of scoring opportunities, finishing with an impressive 50 saves to help keep the Falcons within striking distance.

The Cougars finished with a 54-20 advantage in shots on goal.

Concordia will look to regroup and turn the page quickly as the Falcons return to the ice on Sunday afternoon for the second game of the weekend series against Sault College.