The Lake Forest College men's hockey team began its 2025-26 season with a 5-5 tie against Saint Mary's University at home Friday night.

The Foresters took the lead three times, beginning with the first collegiate goal from freshman forward Christopher O'Flaherty less than three minutes into the contest. After the Cardinals tied the score on a power play goal, Lake Forest pulled ahead again on the first career goal for junior defenseman Jared Kaplowitz. His shot from just inside the blue line made it through traffic and into the net but a short-handed goal from the visitors made it a 2-2 game after 20 minutes of play.

After scoring four goals in the first period, the teams combined for five in the second. The first came from senior forward Justin Ross just 18 seconds into the period but another power play conversion by Saint Mary's tied the game less than two minutes later. After the Cardinals took their first lead of the night at the 3:22 mark, O'Flaherty struck for the second time in the contest at 7:31. 

Saint Mary's third power play goal of the night broke the tie at the 16:29 mark of the second period and the score remained 5-4 until late in the third. The Foresters finally tied the game again on a score by senior forward Chase Freiermuth with just 1:33 on the clock. He was assisted by sophomore forward Trevor Faucher, who also set up both of the Lake Forest's goals in the second period.

After a scoreless five-minute overtime period, the team staged a shootout, which began with a score by Forester senior forward Colin Bella. Unfortunately for the home team, Saint Mary's answered in the third round and won the shootout in the fourth.

Lake Forest had a 40-18 advantage in shots on goal on the night.

The teams will face off again Saturday afternoon at 4:00.