BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Trine University men's hockey team faced off with an NCAA Division I opponent for the first time in team history. Ferris State University lived up to the billing defeating the visiting Thunder by the score of 7-0.
Trine found themselves on their heels from the start of the contest. The first goal of the contest came in the ninth minute of play. The Bulldog shorthanded goal would end up being the game-winner as the Thunder were unable to crack the scoreboard.
Offensively three members of the Thunder recorded multiple shots including junior defenseman Hunter Payment (Monroe, Mich.), sophomore forward Justing Meers (St. Charles, Mo.), and junior forward Garrett Hallford (McKinney, Texas).
Two goalies saw play in the contest. Freshman Shane Brancato (Lake Villa, Ill.) got the start and finished with 18 saves. Senior Aaron Brickman (St. Louis, Mo.) finished off the game and came in with 16 saves.
The Thunder fall to 0-3 following the loss. They will continue their season with an exhibition against the United States National Team Development Program U-18 team on Tuesday, January 19. The road contest is set to start at 7 p.m.