FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Mikey Adamson scored the lone goal for the Sacred Heart University men's ice hockey team as the Pioneers suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Air Force in the opener of the two teams' Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) series on Friday evening at the Martire Family Arena. 

Records: 
SHU: 3-4-1, 2-2-1 AHA
Air Force: 4-4-1, 1-2-0 AHA
 
How It Happened:
The Falcons won a tightly-contested first period, taking a 1-0 lead into the second after a power play goal. Chris Hedden cashed in on the extra-man opportunity at 7:03 to give the visitors an early advantage. 

The opening 20 minutes were controlled by the defenses, as the teams combined to take 23 shots on goal. Air Force finished with a 12-11 lead in attempts in the frame. 

Air Force took command of the game in the second period, scoring a pair of goals to build a 3-0 lead. The first came off a transition at 3:26, while the second was a power play goal at 16:55. Three penalties on the Pioneers lead to the third goal, as it was scored on a 4-on-3 power play. 

Following an empty-net goal by the Falcons, Adamson put SHU on the scoreboard with 1:40 left in the game. On the extra-man, the Pioneers created space by passing the puck at the top of the zone, as Adamson sent a one-timer into the top-right corner to make it 4-1. Reid Pabich and Stephane Huard earned assists on the goal. 

Ajeet Gundarah finished the night with 33 saves, allowing just one even-strength goal. 

Notes:

• Pabich played in his 99th collegiate game tonight, his 47th with the Pioneers. 
• Adamson tallied his second goal of the season as he is tied for second on the team with six points (2-4-6). 
• Huard's assist also gives him six points this season (2-4-6). 
• Gundarah crossed 900 career saves tonight, with 919 in 33 games played. 
• The Pioneers fall to 0-2-0 at home this year. 

Up Next:
The Pios hit the home ice again tomorrow for the series finale against the Falcons at 5 p.m.