SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The LIU men's hockey team started the 2021 calendar year off on a strong note, taking on the highest ranked team they've faced so far as a program, in No. 19 American International College Saturday afternoon. The Sharks took an early lead on the Yellow Jackets, before eventually falling, 2-1.
 
LIU got on the board first in the contest. The Sharks would score a short-handed goal 12 minutes into the game, the first shorthanded goal AIC has given up this season. Freshman Preston Brodziak battled behind the net and won the puck, and crossed it straight across the front of the goal. There, senior Zack Bross was waiting, and he rocketed it in past the Jackets' keeper to put LIU up, 1-0.  
 
The Yellow Jackets would get on the board in the second period, scoring ten minutes into play. They added the go-ahead goal seven and a half minutes later, to take the 2-1 lead.
 
The Sharks threatened late in the game after pulling goalie Garrett Metcalf from net. Freshman Nolan Welsh had two shots in the final minute of play, one of which hit the pipe, and another which was blocked. With the strong defense to close out the contest, AIC took the win, 2-1.
 
Metcalf had 23 saves in net for the Sharks, while the defense blocked 12 shots, including three by senior Mat Harris, and two by sophomore Nolan McElhaney.
 
Up next, the two teams face off in a rematch, Sunday, January 3 at 6 p.m. The Sharks will host their first home contest of the 20-21 season, taking on the Yellow Jackets at Ice Works in Syossett, N.Y.