DEARBORN, Mich. - The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team gave No. 1 Minot State University all it could handle in a matchup of top ACHA teams Friday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.

The No. 7 Wolverines came up just short in front a packed crowd, falling 3-2 to the top ranked Beavers. The loss is the first in 15 home games for UM-Dearborn, which falls to 17-7-1 overall.

Late in the first period the two teams exchanged goals less than two minutes apart with Andrew Palushaj (JR/Livonia, Mich.) receiving credit for the Wolverine goal. The Beavers eventually added two more goals in the middle frame to set up an exciting comeback attempt in the third period.

UM-Dearborn came out with a purpose in the final period, outshooting the Beavers 12-8 and receiving an important tally just before the midway mark. Justin Dunn (FR/Trenton, Mich.) deflected a point shot from captain Ryan Urso (JR/Livonia, Mich.) to pull the home team within one goal.

That goal would stand as the last of the night for UM-Dearborn despite a late attempt to tie things up after pulling the goalie. Thomas Proudlock (SO/Southgate, Mich.) made 29 saves as the Wolverines outshot Minot State 35-32 and killed off three consecutive penalties in the final 40 minutes of the game.

The Wolverines will look to even the score as they play host to Minot State once again at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.