Canton, Mich. – The Saints traveled across the state to the Arctic Ice Arena last night (Feb. 10) to take on Concordia for the first game of the series. AQ was looking to get back into the win column after a six-game skid. The Saints took an early lead in the second period, but Concordia tied the game later in the second period. With less than one minute left on the clock, the Cardinals scored a game-winning goal and stole the game 3-2.

Aquinas moves to 13-17 on the season with an 8-12 conference record. CUAA improves to 15-17 on the year with a 10-13 WHAC record.

The Saints were the first to break the score with an early goal from Xavier Erickson, his third for the club since joining in January. Darren Johnson and Dylan Rumpke were credited with the assists on the goal.

A little over two minutes later, the Cardinals equalized with a goal of their own to level the score. Both sides generated a couple of good scoring chances, but neither team found the back of the net for the remainder of the period. CUAA slightly outshot Aquinas 13-11 in an extremely even period of play.

Once again, the Saints were the first ones to break the tie early in the second period. Alex Johnson beat the Concordia goalie just two minutes and 37 seconds into the period to reinstate the Aquinas lead. However, once again, Concordia managed to level the game with an unassisted goal of its own. With 3:33 left on the clock, Quinn Bieniek got the puck past Max Johnston to tie the game.

The period ended with the score tied at two with Concordia holding a slim advantage in shots again, leading 12-9 in the period.

CUAA turned the pressure up immediately to start the third period. The Cardinals dominated possession of the puck, but Johnston managed to fend off the continuous attack from the home side.

However, with just 57 seconds remaining on the clock, Bieniek got past Johnston one more time for the game-winning goal. CUAA outshot Aquinas 22-5 over the third period.

Johnston saved 44 of 47 shots on target for a .936 save percentage.

AQ returns to home ice tonight (Feb. 11) for another match against Concordia. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM at Southside Ice Arena.