Byron Center, Mich. — The Aquinas men's hockey team show some resiliency Friday night (Sept. 29) to bounce back after giving up the opening goal to lead 2-1 after the first period against regional foe Calvin. The Knights (3-0-0), however, responded with four goals in the second period to seize control and eventually claim a 5-3 road victory at the Southside Ice Arena.

Aquinas (2-2-0) gave up a power-play goal to Jacob Siebenga six and a half minutes into the opening period after being caught with six men on the ice.

Not backing down, the Saints regrouped and scored two goals in the final four minutes of the period to jump into the lead, 2-1. Defenseman Kirwin Johnson scored the equalizer, netting his first career goal for the Saints in his 48th game played. Dylan Rumpke got the assist before snipping AQ's second goal two and a half minutes later on the power play. Calvin also got caught with too many men on the ice to give the Saints a man advantage.

Rumpke's third goal of the season ties him for the team lead with Nicola Vogel. Christian Look was credited with his team-leading fifth assist.

After three goals in the first period, five more followed in the second. 

Calvin turned up the intensity and scored four straight. Siebenga got another power play tally with 15:21 remaining followed by even strength goals by Steven Ickes (9:19), Noah Kramps (4:40) and Ethan Pool (1:33).

Matt Denhartigh gave Aquinas some momentum back before going to the locker room with his first goal of the season coming with under four seconds left on the clock. Gavin Phillips nabbed the assist.

A third period stalemate finished scoreless and gave Calvin a 5-3 win.

The Knights heavily outshot the Saints, 54-24. AQ goaltender Max Johnston made 49 saves in the defeat, while Calvin goaltender Adam Yost made 21 saves.

The Saints get a rematch against the Knights tomorrow night (Sept. 30) with a 5:30 p.m. puck drop from Calvin's Eagles Ice Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.