BAUER, Mich. – The Calvin ACHA Division I hockey team picked up a 5-4 victory at Grand Valley State Friday night, winning an overtime shootout after the game ended 4-4 after regulation.
Freshman Michael Fatta scored on Calvin's opening penalty shot and junior goalie Josh Gruene made three huge saves to secure the shootout win.
Calvin (3-2) took the opening lead on a blast by freshman Charles Riordan with nine minutes left in the opening period with juniors Ian Elkins and Jacob Siebenga drawing assists on the play.
The host Lakers tied the game four minutes later, but Riordan came back with a goal just before the end of the period to give the Knights a 2-1 lead.
Early in the second period, Grand Valley struck back to tie the game 2-2.
With four minutes left in the period, freshman Michael Iatridis put one in the back of the Laker net to give Calvin a 3-2 advantage.
The Calvin lead ballooned to a 4-2 advantage when freshman Christopher Bebelos put one home off assists from junior Zach Malkowski and junior Luiz Mendoza. Grand Valley answered with a goal less than a minute later to make it a one-goal game.
With 1:57 left in regulation, Grand Valley netted the equalizer to make it 4-4.
The contest headed to a shootout and the Knights were up to the task. Fatta took the opening shootout attempt and made no mistake, converting a quick snap shot past the Grand Valley goalie. The Knights were unable to convert their next two shootout attempts but Gruene stonewalled three consecutive Lakers to give the Knights the win.
COACHES COMMENT: "I thought at points and times in the games we played well but at other points and times Grand Valley took it to us," said Calvin head hockey coach Mike Petrusma. "I think the shot attempts and scoring chances were about even. We got up on them twice but Grand Valley battled back each time. We have a young team and we have to figure out how to manage those games. When you get up by two you can't take your foot off the gas. I like our group though. We have a talented team and we will continue to grow."
NEXT UP: Calvin will host Grand Valley State Saturday night at Eagles Ice Center at 7:40 p.m.
