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Box Score 2 Byron Center, Mich. — Heart-wrenching.
There's no other way to describe what happened on Friday night for the Aquinas College men's hockey team. Holding a commanding 6-1 lead in the third period, the Saints saw it all slip away in stunning fashion, as Concordia stormed back with four goals in the final 2:20 of regulation—plus the game-winner just 33 seconds into overtime—all on a five-minute major penalty.
The Crusaders completed the improbable comeback with a 7-6 OT victory.
Friday, Feb. 14 | Concordia 7, Aquinas 6 (OT)
It was a game unlike any other. The Saints came out firing in the first period, racing to a 3-0 lead behind goals from Ben Cesario (assisted by Christian Look and Shane DiTullio), Easton Pratt (his first collegiate goal, assisted by Cesario), and Nicholas Refine (Cesario, DiTullio).
Aquinas continued its dominance in the second period. After an early Concordia goal cut the deficit to 3-1, the Saints responded quickly. Brendan Bourne (assisted by Gavin Rozema and Look) and a second goal from Pratt gave AQ a comfortable 5-1 lead heading into the third. When Bourne netted his second goal of the night six minutes into the final period (Rozema, Alex Johnson), the Saints appeared to be in full control at 6-1.
But then, the tide turned.
Concordia capitalized with two quick goals just 20 seconds apart, making it 6-3 with just over nine minutes to play. Still, AQ had a sizable cushion—until the game-changing moment came with 2:20 left.
With the Crusaders pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, they scored to cut the lead to 6-4. Simultaneously, Justin Lagrow was whistled for a severe contact-to-the-head penalty, handing Concordia a five-minute power play. The Saints desperately tried to hold on, but the Crusaders took full advantage, scoring twice in a span of 13 seconds to tie the game with 1:10 remaining. Just 33 seconds into overtime, Concordia completed the comeback, leaving the AQ bench and fans in stunned silence.
Saturday, Feb. 15 | Concordia 7, Aquinas 2
Following Friday's devastating loss, the Saints struggled to regain their footing in Saturday's rematch. Concordia struck early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first period and never looking back. AQ managed just two goals—Austin Gilmore and Evan Doan, both unassisted—but was ultimately outmatched as the Crusaders skated away with a 7-2 victory.
Special teams proved costly for AQ, as the Saints went 0-for-3 on the power play while Concordia capitalized on one of its five opportunities. Randon Striplin stood tall in net, making 34 saves on 41 shots, but the Crusaders' offensive firepower was too much to handle.
The back-to-back losses dropped Aquinas to 9-23-3 overall and 8-14-2 in WHAC play, with their conference tournament seeding to be determined.
Coach Rozema's Take
Head Coach Brandon Rozema was direct about what the Saints need to learn from this weekend: "We learned such a big lesson last night, but this has been the case for much of this season. No lead in this league is safe. We have to keep our foot on the gas for 60 minutes, no matter the score. We look forward to the opportunity to finish the regular season strong and bring home a win for Aquinas. If we don't, we'll be ready for the WHAC tournament."
By the Numbers
Senior Night & A Valentine's Day Treat
Saturday's game also marked Senior Night for six Aquinas players: Xavier Erickson, Austin Gilmore, Christian Look, Max Johnston, Shane DiTullio, and Matt DenHartigh.
Coach Rozema, who both played with and coached this senior class, shared his appreciation: "These seniors will always be special to me. I played with all of them, and now I've had the opportunity to coach them. I want to thank them for their contributions to our program and their families for supporting them through their college hockey journey."
But the night had an unforgettable moment off the ice as well. During the senior recognition ceremony, Matt DenHartigh proposed to his girlfriend, Casie Clarey—and she said yes! It was a Valentine's Day surprise that added a beautiful memory to an otherwise tough weekend for the Saints.
Up Next
With the regular season now concluded, Aquinas awaits its WHAC Tournament opponent. The Saints look to regroup and make a deep run in the postseason. Stay tuned for the tournament schedule announcement.
