BOX SCORE

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - The Calvin ACHA D1 hockey team recorded a 3-1 opening round victory over John Carroll University at the ACHA Division I National Tournament Thursday afternoon.

Calvin (25-6) moves on to the Round of 16 on Saturday to face GL6 rival Adrian at 1:30 p.m. (CT).

Calvin held firm in a defensive-minded contest against the Blue Streaks Thursday afternoon. The Knights struck first just 5:16 into the contest as junior Krzyzstof Petryla slipped in a shot off assists from junior Alim Darmenov and graduate student Jacob Boucha.

John Carroll (27-8) carried the play for a large remainder of the first period and then broke through for the equalizer late in the second period on a goal by Tanner Plinta.

Calvin sophomore goalie Adam Yost made several strong saves to keep the game 1-1. The Knights then began to regain their footing and regained the lead 6:18 into the third period as freshman Daniel Siso redirected a shot from the blue line by Holden Pratt for a 2-1 Calvin lead. Boucha also was credited with an assist on the play.

John Carroll pressed for a tying goal but was stymied by Yost and the Calvin defense. With under a minute to play, John Carroll was whistled for a penalty and with an open net seconds later, freshman Tony Eaton zipped in a shot to close out the victory for the Knights.

Calvin finished with a 37-28 shots at goal advantage. Yost had 27 saves in goal for the Knights.

COACHES COMMENT: "It certainly wasn't our best performance of the season,but ultimately the only thing that matters in single elimination tournament play is to play well enough to win and we did that. I continue to be amazed at the resilience of this team. They believe they can overcome any adversity and they've shown over and over that their belief in themselves is warranted. REGARDING NEXT GAME AND OPPPONENT: "Adrian is a top tier opponent and they'll be well prepared. Having played them three times over the past month, we're very familiar with each other and it should be another great game between two motivated teams. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to compete on Saturday."

NEXT UP: Calvin will face Adrian on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (CT) in a Round of 16 ACHA D1 National Tournament game.