CHICAGO UNION OPEN NCDC ERA WITH 6–3 WIN OVER METRO JETS
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — The Chicago Union opened a new chapter of the organization’s history with a statement response Friday night.
After falling behind by two goals early, Chicago scored six of the game’s final seven goals to defeat the Metro Jets 6–3 in the Union’s inaugural NCDC game at Mount Clemens Ice Arena.
Ben Bakutis scored twice, Colin Murphy recorded three assists and goaltender Kiryl Zamana stopped 30 of 33 shots as the Union earned their first victory at the Tier II level.
Metro controlled the opening minutes and converted twice in a span of 79 seconds. A.J. Zaccagni opened the scoring at 7:19 before Simon Racinsky doubled the advantage at 8:38.
Chicago’s response came quickly.
Mikita Amelka put the Union on the board just 52 seconds later, finishing a setup from Matsvei Hlyzin at 9:30. The goal shifted the momentum and helped Chicago settle into the game after Metro’s fast start.
The Union completed the comeback before the end of the period. Bakutis found the net at 18:37, with assists credited to Murphy and Addison Noffsinger, sending the teams into the first intermission tied 2–2.
Chicago carried that momentum into the second period.
Matthew Iwinski gave the Union their first lead at 6:22, scoring off an assist from Daniel Radkevich. Chicago continued to generate pressure, outshooting Metro 17–13 during the period.
With 59 seconds remaining, Keishawn Thompson delivered what proved to be the game-winning goal, extending the lead to 4–2. Metro answered 41 seconds later through Billy Marshall, cutting Chicago’s advantage to one entering the third period.
The Union did not allow that late goal to change the direction of the game.
Bakutis restored the two-goal margin at 4:25 of the third, finishing a play created by Ronald Bender Jr. and Murphy. The goal completed Bakutis’ two-goal performance and gave Chicago control at a critical stage of the game.
JJ Mueller supplied the final goal at 10:57, with Murphy earning his third assist of the night.
From there, Chicago closed the game with discipline. The Union allowed Metro 11 third-period shots, but Zamana stopped every one to secure the historic 6–3 victory.
Chicago finished with a 42–33 advantage in shots and scored twice in each period. The Union also killed both Metro power plays while taking only four penalty minutes.
It was an opening-night performance built on resilience. Chicago absorbed Metro’s early push, erased a two-goal deficit and became more effective as the game progressed.
The result gives the Union their first victory and first two standings points as an NCDC organization.
TURNING POINT
Keishawn Thompson’s goal at 19:01 of the second period became the game-winner.
Metro answered only 41 seconds later, but Thompson’s goal ensured Chicago entered the third period with the lead. The Union responded to Metro’s late goal with two unanswered third-period tallies and did not allow another puck past Zamana.
CHICAGO UNION IMPACT PLAYERS
Ben Bakutis | 2 goals
Bakutis tied the game late in the first period and restored Chicago’s two-goal advantage early in the third. His second goal helped prevent Metro from carrying its late second-period momentum into the final frame.
Colin Murphy | 3 assists
Murphy contributed to three of Chicago’s six goals, including both Bakutis tallies and Mueller’s third-period goal. He was the Union’s leading point producer in the victory.
Kiryl Zamana | 30 saves on 33 shots
After Metro scored twice early, Zamana settled in and stopped 27 of the final 28 shots he faced. He was perfect during the third period and earned the first NCDC goaltending victory in Chicago Union history.
BY THE NUMBERS
6: Chicago goals
42–33: Union advantage in shots
30: Saves by Kiryl Zamana
2: Goals in each period for Chicago
2-for-2: Union penalty kill
4: Chicago penalty minutes
3: Assists by Colin Murphy
WHAT IT MEANS
Chicago did more than win its season opener. The Union earned the first NCDC victory in the organization’s history and did it against a Great Lakes Division opponent.
The response after falling behind 2–0 was especially significant. Chicago remained composed, generated 42 shots and controlled the final two periods without relying on the power play. The Union now have an immediate opportunity to build on the result when the teams complete their opening-weekend series.
UP NEXT
Opponent: Metro Jets
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 6:15 p.m. Eastern
Location: Mount Clemens Ice Arena, Mount Clemens, Michigan
Home/Away: Away
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