The Calvin University Knights ACHA D1 Hockey Team defeated the Grand Valley State University Lakers 5-3 on Thursday night.
After starting the season 1-1 the Knights looked to add another win under their belt and continue on the up and up as the season progressed. All that stood in the way for the Knights on Thursday were the Lakers of Grand Valley State. Fortunately, the Knights were up to the challenge and came to play.
In the first period the Knights came out strong and just three-and-a-half minutes in the Knights were on the board. The goal came from Kyle VanDusen with the assist from Josh Ernst. The Knights continued to keep the pressure on the Lakers and just five minutes after their first goal the Knights extended their lead. This time the goal came from Michael Fatta with the assists from Ian Elkins and Chris Bebelos. With the Knights now in control of the game up two goals they looked to extend their lead even more. Unfortunately, the Lakers had other plans. With about seven minutes to go in the frame the Lakers broke through the Knights defense and found the back of the net.
At the end of the first period the Knights found themselves leading the Lakers 2-1.
In the second period the Knights looked to put the pressure on the Lakers defense early and receive some good scoring opportunities. The Knights did just that and about eight minutes into the frame the Knights found the back of the net again, this time with a goal from Jacob Siebenga. The rest of the period was even from both sides and both teams were locking it down from the back. Unfortunately, the Lakers siezed on one miscommunication from the Knights and got a goal back.
At the end of the second period the Knights were ahead of the Lakers 3-2.
In the third period the Knights really kicked things into gear to start the final frame. Just two minutes in the Knights got another goal from VanDusen with the assists from Siebenga and Ernst. It wasn't till the nine minute mark till we saw another goal go up on the board. This time it was the Lakers who found the back of the net again to cut the Knights lead down to one. The game eventually went down to the wire but the Knights sealed the deal with an empty net goal from Siebenga to finish the Lakers off.
At the end of regulation the game concluded with the Knights coming out victorious over the Lakers 5-3.
Knights Goaltender Josh Gruene had a strong game with 24 saves on the night.
