Byron Center, Mich. — A hat trick by Indiana Tech's Avery Smith proved to be the difference maker Friday night (Oct. 20) as the No. 12-ranked Warriors held off a pesky Aquinas men's hockey team, 5-2, at the Southside Ice Arena.

Aquinas (4-7, 2-3 WHAC) didn't back down against one of the best teams in the ACHA, despite going down 4-0 five and a half minutes into the third period. AQ scored twice to put some pressure on Indiana Tech (6-2, 3-0 WHAC) before Smith netted his third goal of the game to slam the door shut with under four minutes remaining.

Both teams were even on shots (14-14) in the opening period. However, the Warriors scored first on a power-play strike from Joey Mocnik with assists going to Aidan Dufort and Brandon Plummer. Aquinas learned its lesson and didn't commit another penalty for the rest of the game.

Indiana Tech was only called for two penalties as well, making for a very rare "clean" game between the two intense conference foes. That didn't take away from the excitement on the ice either as both teams had quality scoring chances throughout the game and both goalies made top-notch saves.

The Warriors pushed their advantage out to 3-0 after two periods of play following goals by Smith (4:35) and TJ Dougan (2:28) late into the middle frame.

Smith then netted his second goal 5:40 into the third period and Indiana Tech looked well on its way to another lopsided victory.

AQ captain Brandon Rozema had other ideas. From a tight angle, Rozema finally put a puck past Warriors goaltender Braedyn Funke to get the Saints on the scoreboard. His team-leading sixth goal of the season came with 11:21 remaining.

That goal-scoring line produced again for the Saints with five minutes left. Rozema and Dylan Rumpke linked up to find Alex Johnson for his second goal of the year. Aquinas had reduced the deficit down to 4-2.

Smith ended any dreams of an AQ comeback with his hat-trick tally, unassisted, with 3:47 remaining.

Despite giving up five goals, Aquinas goaltender Max Johnston shined with a handful of flashy saves while fending off challenging odd-man rushes by the Warriors. Johnston ended up with 34 saves on 39 shots faced. Funke picked up the win between the pipes with 33 saves for Indiana Tech.

Aquinas outshot Indiana Tech 13-10 in the third period, but the Warriors finished the contest with a 39-35 edge.

Both teams see each other again on Saturday (Oct. 21) with a rematch in Fort Wayne, Ind. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.