USAFA, Colo. – Air Force's Chris Hedden scored a power play goal 45 seconds into overtime to give them a 3-2 victory over Bentley on Friday night at Cadet Ice Arena.

Bentley took a 1-0 lead 5:29 into the game on Arlo Merritt's second goal of the season. Defenseman Nick Bochen put a shot on net that was saved by Air Force's Guy Blessing. But Merritt won a battle for the puck in front of the net and scored off the rebound for the goal.

Connor Hasley then denied an Air Force penalty shot to keep Bentley in front.

Before the period was over however, Air Force tied it on a goal by Owen Baumgartner with 8:02 remaining.

Neither team scored in the 2^nd period. Air Force took a 2-1 lead early in the third period on a goal by Owen Dubois.

But just before the midway point of the period, Ryan Upson tied it. Upson stole the puck away from an Air Force player as they attempted to clear Bentley's offensive zone, and Upson beat Blessing one-one-one for the goal.

Hasley then came up clutch again to deny Air Force on a second penalty shot attempt to keep the game 2-2.

The game headed to overtime 2-2, but with Air Force on the power play, and the hosts took advantage when Hedden scored 45 seconds into the extra session.

The second game of the series is Saturday at 7:05 eastern time.