SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana hockey (7-14-3) dropped an overtime battle to Ferris State (10-16-1, 7-11 CCHA) at the 3:09 mark of the extra frame to close out Midco Arena's opening weekend. 

The Vikings bounced out to an early 1-0 lead 9:07 into the first period as Will Howard scored his second goal of the season in front of the net off passes from Jeff Hutchinson and Quinn Rudrud. Howard's even-strength goal is his second in the last three games. Ferris State answered back 20 seconds later as Stepan Pokorny powered in his fourth of the season. 

Ferris State continued its momentum in the second period as Pokorny powered in his second of the game to grab a 2-1 lead for the Bulldogs. Luke Mobley answered back the Vikings as he potted in a power play goal and his second of the weekend in the middle moments of the third period. The assistant captain's Saturday night goal is his 10th of the season.  

The Bulldogs regained the lead with a power play goal of their own as Porkorny finished off his hat-trick. Augustana made a last ditch effort to tie the game as head coach Garrett Raboin pulled Josh Kotai with 2:02 remaining in the frame and Augustana captain Arnaud Vachon lit the lamp to tie the game 3-3 in his 150th NCAA career game. 

As the overtime began, both teams shared possessions of scoring chances but Ferris State prevailed as Porkorny netted his fourth of the night to secure the 4-3 win. 

Game Moments

• Josh Kotai made 31 saves in his 11th game of the season as he moved to 2-8-1. 
• Ryan Naumovski recorded two points in the Vikings loss. The fifth-year senior now sits at 98 career points. 
• Jeff Hutchinson tallied his first career assist on Will Howard's goal. 
• Arnaud Vachon played in his 150th career game. 

Goals

• Will Howard opened up the scoring with his second of the season as he powered in the rebound. 
• Stepan Pokorny answered back 20 seconds later to tie the game 1-1. 
• Pokorny wired in his second goal of the game in the lone second-period goal. 
• Luke Mobley recorded his 10th of the season off a power play goal off passes from Ryan Naumovski and Brett Meerman. 
• Pokorny stole the lead back with a shot from the top of the circle, giving him a hat-trick on the night and giving the Bulldogs a 3-2 advantage. 
• With an extra attacker in the final two minutes of the game, Arnaud Vachon deflected in the tying goal off a rip from Naumovski. Hayden Hennen added an assist on the goal. 
• Pokorny closed out his masterpiece in overtime, going coast-to-coast and finishing an unassisted ripper to win the game for FSU.

Up Next
Augustana takes the week to prepare for a road trip to Bemidji, Minnesota as the Vikings take on CCHA opponent Bemidji State. Puck drop is set for Feb. 2-3 at 7:07 p.m. and 6:07 p.m.