NEW HAVEN, Conn. – It was an odd time of the year for an exhibition, but Yale Hockey Fans are just happy to have the Bulldogs skating again at the Whale. Over 1,000 of them showed up to see a contest between Yale and Sacred Heart tonight.

William Dineen had a goal off an assist by Justin Pearson, but the Elis came up short in a 3-1 decision.

After two scoreless periods, the Pioneers got on the board first. Pearson set up the equalizer late in the third frame when he made a few moves to avoid defenders and then flicked a shot on net that was saved by the visiting goalie, who could not control the rebound. Dineen swooped in and slapped it into the net.

Luke Pearson played the first two periods in the Yale net and made a few grade-A stops, including a breakaway in the first period to keep the game scoreless. Nathan Reid took over in the third period.

The Elis are on the road next weekend back in ECAC Hockey play facing Colgate and Cornell.