The Dordt Defender hockey team opened the 2026-27 season on the road and lost a 7-6 decision at Mason City, Iowa against Waldorf.

The Defenders gave up two first period goals before Max Raiche scored 4:36 into the second and Tyler Welsh made it 3-2 on a power play goal four minutes later. A Rylan Veenstra goal evened the score before the hosts retook the lead with five minutes left in the period.  The 4-3 advantage held into the third period.

The Warriors added two more in the first four minutes of the third period. Raiche and Veenstra scored less than a minute apart to get within 6-5 with eight minutes remaining. Andrew Benson scored an equalizer with 16:18 left but the Warriors had a swift answer, scoring the game winner with 3:42 remaining and that was enough.

Dordt was outshot 47-38

Tim Nanson played in goal for the Defenders and had 40 saves.

It's the second year in a row the teams have opened the season. 

Dordt will play Midland on Wednesday, September 16 in its next outing.