The Calvin University Knights ACHA D3 Hockey Team defeated the Ferris State Bulldogs 7-6 on Saturday afternoon.
In the first period the Knights found the back of the net first just six minutes into the frame. The goal came from Will Weiss with the assist from Avery Anderson. Later in the period the Bulldogs scored three unanswered goals to put the Knights in a tough position. Luckily, the Knights got one back with thirty seconds left to go. The goal came from Riley Austin with the assists from Keegan Oberski and Kevin Patterson.
At the end of the first period the Knights found themselves trailing 3-2. The Knights were outshot 12-11.
In the second period the Knights came out very strong and within the three minutes tied the game at 3-3. The goal came from Tanner Dey with the assist from Mitchell Niesar. Just a few minutes later the Knights found the back of the net again. This time the goal came from Jacob Waligora with the assists from Weiss and Joe Lugge. Just under three minutes later the Knights took a 5-3 lead with a goal from Waligora. The Bulldogs stormed back late in the frame to tie the game at 5-5.
At the end of the second period the game was tied 5-5. The Knights were outshot 13-10.
In the third period the Knights retook the lead with a goal from Oberski with the assist from Zach Seaman. The Bulldogs proceeded to tie the game at 6-6 around the eight minute mark. Just a minute later the Knights retook the lead with a hattrick goal for Waligora with the helper from Tanner Dey.
At the end of regulation the Knights came out victorious over the Bulldogs 7-6. The Knights were outshot 33-30 for the game.
Knights Goaltender Garrett Walker finished the game with 27 saves.
COACH HARTLEIN: "After jumping on Ferris State early getting up 1-0, we feel behind again down 3-2 after one, but then scored four unanswered goals to go up 5-3. We had difficulty staying with a game plan a bit allowing Ferris to climb back in multiple times, but the boys showed lots of fortitude handling the adversity well, sticking to the game plan and digging deep to pull out the 7-6 league win. The game puck was awarded to Mitchell Niesar, who played his last game for the Calvin University Men's Hockey Program. He will be graduating in December and moving on with his computer science career. Mitch has been a great representation of what the Calvin Hockey Program stands for. He will be missed by his teammates, coaches, and those who know him."
