SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana hockey team (7-6, 4-3 CCHA) downed Northern Michigan (1-11-1, 0-6-1 CCHA) Friday night by a score of 4-1 in Midco Arena. A two-point performance from sophomore Hunter Bischoff helped propel the Augustana offense to its first Friday win since Oct. 18. 

10 Vikings collected points in Friday's affair and were backstopped by Josh Kotai who turned away 24 shots and moved to 7-4 on the season. Northern Michigan killed off three penalties as it shut down Augustana's special team units.

Augustana jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Hunter Bischoff received a dish from Joey DelGreco before he flew by a Northern Michigan defenseman and went backhand through Ryan Ouelette's five-hole. Six minutes later, the Vikings continued their offensive presence with a rocket from Payton Matsui. Augustana skated into the locker room with a 2-0 lead. 

Both teams battled back and forth in the second frame and shared shots on goal. After off-setting minors leading to four-on-four play, the 'Cats found the back of the net with just under five minutes to play as Jakob Peterson skated coast-to-coast and fired in his first career goal on the blocker side of Kotai. Augustana hung onto its lead going into the third period. 

Augustana found momentum in the early moments of the third period as Uula Ruikka regained the Vikings' two-goal lead with a one-timer from the top of the circle. Ruikka's second goal of the season came off a pass from Bischoff. Augustana's offensive power continued five minutes after as Simon Falk found the back of the cage for his first of the season. Kotai's strong performance in the net towards the final moments helped seal Augustana's win, 4-1.

Game Moments

• 10 Vikings recorded points in Friday's 4-1 win. 
• Simon Falk collected his first goal of the season. 
• Kotai turned away 24 shots as he moved to 7-4 on the season.
• Augustana recorded 30 shots on goal.
• The Vikings won its first Friday game since Oct. 18. 
• Bischoff was named Silverstar Star of the Game.

Goals

• Bischoff opened up Friday's game with his second goal of the season after he skated by a Northern Michigan defenseman. DelGreco tallied his fifth assist of the season. 
• Matsui pushed Augustana's lead to two with a shot through the five-hole of Ouelette.
• Peterson potted the Wildcats' lone goal in the second period after he skated it coast-to-coast. 
• Ruikka regained Augustana's lead with a one-timer from the point that bounced off a 'Cats defenseman for his second of the season. 
• Falk sealed the game for Augustana with a snipe over the shoulder of Ouelette. 

Up Next
Augustana looks for the weekend sweep on Saturday night as it concludes the weekend series in Midco Arena. Puck drop is slated for 6:07 p.m.