Byron Center, Mich. — The Aquinas College Men's Hockey Team concluded a challenging home-and-home series with UM-Dearborn over the weekend. After falling 4-2 on Friday in Dearborn, the Saints were unable to secure a split at home, suffering a 5-1 defeat to the Wolverines.

UM-Dearborn 5, Aquinas 1

UM-Dearborn wasted no time gaining momentum as Connor Hasse opened the scoring with an unassisted goal just two and a half minutes into the first period. The Wolverines controlled much of the game from that point forward.

Aquinas avoided a shutout in the final minute of play when Arseniy Malyutin scored off assists from Gavin Rozema and Brendan Bourne. Despite the Saints' offensive struggles, goalie Randon Striplin continued his stellar play in net, making an impressive 48 saves on 53 shots faced.

Special teams proved to be a significant factor in the game. The Saints went 0-for-6 on the power play, continuing a season-long struggle with the man advantage. Meanwhile, UM-Dearborn capitalized on two of their seven power-play opportunities.

The loss drops Aquinas to 6-18-3 overall and 5-9-2 in conference play.

By the Numbers:

• Randon Striplin: 48 saves on 53 shots, save percentage of .906
• Shots on goal: Aquinas 36, UM-Dearborn 53
• Special Teams: Aquinas 0-6 on the power play; UM-Dearborn 2-7

Up Next:

The Saints will look to rebound as they prepare for another home-and-home series, this time against Cleary University. The first game is set for Friday, January 24, in Lansing, with the rematch scheduled for Saturday, January 25, in Byron Center. Both games are slated for a 7:30 p.m. start.