ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Calvin ACHA Division 1 men's hockey team came up just short in their first game back after Christmas break, losing 5-3 to Grand Valley State University. The Calvin Knights' season record dropped to 14-4-2.

Grand Valley State jumped out to a quick start as Zach Borchardt and Evan Chomchai scored with 13:31 and 12:11 remaining in the period, respectively. Calvin was searching for an answer after the slow start and found it in Steven Ickes as he scored with 8:55 remaining, assisted by Joel Dieleman and Keith Schenkel. The score remained 2-1 at the end of the first.

After losing the first period, Calvin rallied and played a very exciting brand of hockey in the second period. Offense was free flowing for the Knights. Krzysztof Petryla equalized the game with 11:07 left in the period and Joel Dieleman added one more to finally take the lead with 3:23 left in the period. Calvin goalie Carlos Siso was not about to be overshadowed by the Calvin attack as he recorded 15 saves in the second. GVSU's Gage Thrall was able to find the back of the net, however, tying the game up with 2:54 remaining. The teams would go into the third period tied at 3.

The third period was hard-fought as both teams battled for the lead. While Calvin outshot GVSU 18-9 in the period, it was GVSU that was able to take the lead. Gage Thrall scored his second goal of the game with 10:06 remaining. Calvin would continue to produce great scoring opportunities but was unable to capitalize as Devin Naidow of GVSU recorded 18 saves, an incredible game-sealing effort. As Calvin scrambled to find an equalizer in the last minute, Tristen Avoletta was able to take advantage of Calvin playing with an empty net and scored with 30 seconds remaining.

The final score would show 5-3, a hard-fought game.

Carlos Siso was in goal for the Knights and recorded 34 saves.

NEXT UP: Calvin and Grand Valley State face-off again tonight at 7:30pm in Eagles Ice Center. The game will be the fourth matchup of the season between the two teams, with GVSU currently winning the series 2-1.

COACHES COMMENT: Head Coach Mike Petrusma – "If you're a fan of hockey this was a great game to watch. Big save chances at both ends. The result could have gone either way. We will regroup and be ready to battle tomorrow night!"