Dearborn, Mich. – The Aquinas men's hockey team returned to the ice Saturday night (Oct. 26) for the second game against UM-Dearborn. AQ won the last matchup on Friday in dramatic fashion after winning 1-0 in a shootout. However, the Wolverines turned the momentum around in game two-splitting the series with a 5-1 victory.

The result moves AQ to a 2-7-2 record with a 1-2-1 conference record.

UM-Dearborn 5, Aquinas 1

Aquinas faced a quick deficit after the Wolverines scored on their first two shots in the game. Max Johnston then made three consecutive saves to stop the offensive onslaught of the hosts. Cooper Nienhuis turned the tables seconds later, ripping his second goal of the season on AQ's first shot of the game. The two teams combined for three goals in the first four and a half minutes.

 The offensive outpour slowed down after the first five minutes. Each side provided consistent offense, but each goalie made 10 saves in the first period to keep the score consistent at 2-1.

Halfway through the second period, UMD reclaimed a two-goal advantage, beating Johnston with 12:39 left on the clock. The penalties then began to pick up, with each side getting a powerplay, but neither team managed to take advantage. The second period remained even, with both teams putting 15 shots on target. However, only UMD managed to score in the second.

The Wolverines essentially iced the game just 30 seconds into the third period, scoring another goal to extend their lead to three. Another goal late in the third boosted the UMD goal total to five before the final whistle.

By the Numbers:

• Despite the result, AQ outshot UMD 35-34.
• Dearborn held an advantage in faceoffs winning 40 of the 72 puck drops.
• Brody Traxler earned his third assist of the season on the Nienhuis goal.

Up Next

AQ is back on the ice at Southside on Friday (Nov. 1) to take on the Cleary Cougars. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:40 p.m.