The Albert Lea boys’ hockey team hosted Owatonna Thursday night, opening the season with an overtime thriller.

Despite jumping out to a one-goal lead in the first period and climbing out of a one-goal deficit in the second, the Tigers were unable to top the Huskies, falling in overtime 3-2.

The Tigers were the first on the scoreboard, putting the puck in the net with 8:15 to go in the first period. The goal was scored by sophomore Isaiah VanRyswyk; sophomore Logan Hacker made the assist.

The Huskies answered right back, scoring a goal with under five minutes remaining in the period to send the teams to the locker rooms tied 1-1.

Owatonna took the lead late in the second period, making it 2-1. However, with 15 seconds left in the period, Albert Lea scored the equalizer, bringing the score to 2-2. The shorthanded goal came unassisted from sophomore Blake Ulve.

Neither team was able to gain any advantage in the third period, without so much as a penalty being called on either team.

Just over seven minutes into the overtime period, Owatonna scored the go-ahead goal, shutting the door on Albert Lea.

Senior Jaxon Heilman started the game in the goal for the Tigers and recorded three saves before being taken out due to an apparent arm injury. Senior Jacob Ball took over for Heilman in the first period and saved 49 of 52 shots.

The Tigers drop to 0-1 to start the season and will play again Saturday when they host the Redhawks of Minnehaha Academy.