Dearborn, Mich. — The Aquinas College Men's Hockey Team traveled to UM-Dearborn on Friday night for the first game of a home-and-home series, but despite holding a 2-0 lead early on, they were unable to hold off the Wolverines, ultimately falling 4-2 in a hard-fought contest.

UM-Dearborn 4, Aquinas 2

Special teams played a pivotal role in the outcome of this game. Aquinas struggled to capitalize on their six power-play opportunities, failing to score on any of them. Meanwhile, UM-Dearborn converted once on their eight man-advantage chances.

Aquinas took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission after Arseniy Malyutin scored with an assist from Brendan Bourne. The Saints extended their lead to 2-0 nearly five minutes into the second period when Alex Johnson found the back of the net, assisted by Xavier Erickson.

Despite the early success, the Wolverines responded strongly, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 3-2 lead heading into the third period.

Junior goalie Randon Striplin, who had been solid all night, finished with 40 saves on 43 shots, recording a .931 save percentage. The game remained tight until the final moments when UM-Dearborn sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:23 of the third period.

By the Numbers:

• Randon Striplin: Stopped 40 of 43 shots for a .931 save percentage
• Shots: UM-Dearborn outshot Aquinas 44-32
• Special Teams: Aquinas went 0-6 on the power play, while UM-Dearborn finished 1-8

Up Next:

The Saints will look to bounce back in the rematch on Saturday at Southside Ice Arena. The puck will drop at 8:00 p.m. as Aquinas aims to avenge Friday night's loss.