The Calvin University Knights ACHA D1 Hockey Team defeated the Davenport University Panthers 3-1 Friday afternoon in the GLCHL Tournament.
In the first period both teams came out strong looking to find the early lead. After the first few minutes the Panthers began to put more pressure on the Knights and began to control the game. About six minutes into the first period the Panthers found the back of the net to take a quick 1-0 lead. Two minutes later the Knights found the back of the net to level the score. The goal came from Jacob Siebenga with the assists from Christian Gums and Ian Elkins. For the rest of the period both teams went back and forth with good scoring chances, but neither team could put one away.
The first period concluded with the score tied 1-1.
In the second period the Knights came out with high intensity looking to the Panthers on the back foot. About five minutes into the frame the Knights took the lead with a powerplay goal from Graham Kormash with the helpers from Siebenga and Josh Hartlein. After the Knights had taken the lead they looked to keep up the pressure, but were shut down by the Panthers defense. The Panthers began to pick up the pace and recieved some strong scoring chances from it. Although the Panthers had some good looks on goal they could not find a way past the Knights strong defense.
The second period concluded with the Knights leading the Panthers 2-1.
In the third period the Knights once again came out quick. About five minutes into the frame the Knights took a two goal lead with a goal from Siebenga with the assist from Jared Virtanen. For the rest of the Knights held onto their lead and kept the Panthers off the scoreboard.
The game concluded with the Knights coming out victorious over the Panthers 3-1 in the GLCHL Semi Finals.
Knights Goaltender Darin Fox had an very strong game in net with 31 saves. Fox had a very good afternoon stopping 31 of 32 shots and he also saved a penalty shot late in the third period to keep the Knights lead at two.
The Knights are back in action Saturday, March 7th in the GLCHL Finals to face off against the Adrian College Bulldogs. The game is set for 1:30PM at Patterson Ice Arena.
