It took nearly 40 minutes and 33 shots on goal for Colorado College to crack Cameron Talbot's armor on Friday.  

But Chad Rau finally beat the sophomore netminder with 37.6 seconds left in the second period, lifting the Tigers to a 1-0 victory over the University of Alabama-Huntsville in their 2008-09 official season opener  at the World Arena.

Talbot kept the visiting Chargers in contention all night, finishing with 44 saves including 21 in the middle frame when CC repeatedly tested him from all angles and locations in front.

Although not nearly as busy, Richard Bachman was just as solid at the other end, recording his fifth career shutout with 16 stops of his own.

Rau's game winner came on a sharp wrist shot from just inside the right faceoff circle. The senior center beat Talbot high on the glove side after taking a nice pass off the stick of linemate Eric Walsky from near the end boards behind the net. Defenseman Brian Connelly also earned an assist on the tally.

Colorado College hit three pipes during the game while going 0-for-9 on the power play. The Chargers were 0-for-5 with the man advantage.