SCHENECTADY, NY -- Cole Maier scored a goal in his first career collegiate game and the Union College men's ice hockey team opened the 2015-16 season with a 1-1 tie against Sacred Heart University at Messa Rink Friday night. It was also the season opener for the Pioneers.

Union outshot the guests, 32-18, as SHU goaltender Bret Magnus made 31 saves including six in the overtime period and 10 in the third period. Alex Sakellaropoulos stopped 17 for the Dutchmen, including three in the extra five minute session.

Union opened the scoring with 2:59 left in the first period. Matt Wilkins fed MIke Vecchione, who dished a pass from the win to Maier in front of the crease and the freshman banged it in inside the left post of Magnus. The 1-0 lead held up through two periods.

With 2:32 left in regulation Sakellaropoulos robbed Pioneer Evan Jasper with a solid right pad stop. But Sacred Heart tied it with 20 seconds remaining in regulation. Jacob Brightbill tipped in the tying tally to the left of the Union netminder, with assists to Spencer Graboski and Connor Doherty. Union had a chance in the closing seconds with action in the Sacred Heart end, and with 11 seconds left a Spencer Foo drive was stopped by Magnus.

The Dutchmen host #3 Boston University Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at Messa Rink.