The #20 AQ men's hockey team took on its WHAC rival, #14 Indiana Tech, for the second series of the season last night (Feb. 4). AQ came out swinging and was able to beat IT for the first time this season. Aquinas grabbed an early lead and never let it go, winning the game by a score of 6-3. This crucial victory now puts Aquinas at 15-7 on the season with a 12-6 WHAC conference record.

Greg McQuade started off the game with an exclamation mark, scoring an unassisted goal just 23 seconds into the game. At 9:58 in the first period, Aquinas would expand its lead to two goals as Nick Stockert slotted the puck into the back of the net with another unassisted goal. Unfortunately for the Saints, Kirwin Johnson was called for interference with 7:47 left to play in the first period. Twenty seconds later, Indiana Tech would capitalize off the powerplay chance and narrow the lead to just one goal. Both sides would pick up another powerplay late in the first period, but neither side managed to score. AQ outshot IT 7-6 and Aquinas entered the first intermission with a 2-1 lead.

Surprisingly, neither team had a player enter the penalty box in the second period. However, that didn't stop either team from scoring. At 15:42, Russell Shengulette found the back of the net. Assisting the goal was Brandon Rozema and Thomas Davis. Just one minute later, Indiana Tech responded with a goal of its own, bringing the Aquinas lead back down to just one goal. Indiana Tech held the advantage in shots this period, topping Aquinas 10-6 in shots on goal. The teams would enter the locker rooms for the second time with the score at 3-2.

The third period was wild with a flurry of goals scored between the teams. The Saints finally broke through with a goal at 10:36 in the period. Michael Fary scored this time with Rozema picking up his second assist of the game. Just 19 seconds later, Indiana Tech would respond again, keeping the Aquinas lead to just one goal. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Saints would score again with a little over five minutes left to play in regulation. David Elford would score this goal with the assists coming from Darren Johnson and Mason Stewart.

Aquinas would seal the game with 4:45 left on the clock as Mike Curran would increase the lead to three goals. Elford picks up the assist, giving him his second goal contribution of the game. Aquinas would go on to win the road match 6-3.

Michael Allman received the start in net and saved 26 of 29 shots on goal. Allman is now 6-4 on the season with an .898 save percentage.

Aquinas is back on the ice tonight (Feb. 5) for a crucial home match against Indiana Tech. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8:00 PM.