BOX SCORE

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The ACHA D3 hockey team advanced to the national semifinals and did so in satisfying fashion, defeating rival Hope 4-3 on the second day of pool play action. At 2-0 and with victories over Dartmouth and Hope, Calvin has captured first place in pool B and advances to the national semifinals to face the winner of pool C in the ACHA D3 National Tournament next Monday at 10:15 a.m. (CST). The Knights still have one pool play game left on Saturday against Sacred Heart University Saturday at 11:45 a.m. (CST).

In its victory over Hope Friday night, Calvin struck first as sophomore Myles Radersma scored unassisted just 2:34 into the contest.

Hope tied the game 1-1 with a goal 3:06 left in the opening period but junior Christopher Bebelos came up with a clutch goal in the final 17 seconds of the period, slapping home a pass from sophomore Harry Ottsen.

Senior Keigan Oberski put Calvin up 3-1 early in the second on feeds from Radersma and sophomore Owen Duiker.

Hope countered with back-to-back goals to tie the game at three but Bebelos proved clutch again, giving Calvin a 4-3 lead on a power play goal with just 1:28 left in the second.

The third period provided a tense final 20 minutes but the Calvin defense held tall with junior Garrett Walker making several clutch saves down the stretch in goal.

The Knights were able to keep the Flying Dutchmen from lighting the lamp over the final 20 minutes to skate away with their second win of the season against their rivals – this time in the national tournament.

Calvin outshot Hope 41-33.

Walker came up with 30 saves for the Knights in goal.

COACHES COMMENT: "Really proud of the guys and excited for the games ahead," said Calvin head coach Austin Huizenga. "I thought our guys played great team hockey and kept their focus throughout. Garrett (Walker) had some big saves in the third period but I thought his teammates did a good job allowing him to see the puck well. We are looking forward to tomorrow and also to next Monday."

NEXT UP: Calvin will face Sacred Heart University in its final pool play game on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. (CST).