GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin ACHA D2 hockey team defeated Aquinas 8-0 Friday night in the opener of a two-game weekend series. Friday's game was played at Eagles Ice Center.

Calvin led 2-0 after one period of play then widened the gap to 5-0 through two periods of play.

The Knights added three goals in the final period to close out the win.

Junior Nathan Sova put the Knights on the scoreboard with a first period goal off passes from junior Owen Hodel and senior Josh Philo.

Nathan Sova then assisted junior Zach Westrick for a goal with 2:57 left in the period that allowed the Knights to grab a 2-0 lead.

Junior Joshua VanSchepen, senior Oleg Grishatov and junior Luke Afman all scored in the second period. Grad student Gabriel Sova had a pair of assists in the scoring flurry with sophomore Cam Laufer and freshman Trace Beckwith also collecting assists in the period.

Laufer scored a goal of his own just 1:51 into the third off an assist from Hodel. Gabriel Sova then got a goal with 5:39 left off feeders from Laufer and senior Henry Holleman.

Senior Tomas Postal close out the scoring with 3:59 remaining, ripping home a shot after being set up by Beckwith.

Freshman Ayden Kares got the start in goal and the win.

COACHES COMMENT: "We came out of the gate a little slow, but came alive halfway through the first period," said Calvin head coach Lyn Sova. "We scored a couple of quick goals with one short-handed which gave us a nice boost. We played fast in the 2^nd and 3^rd periods and were able to pull away. The power play looks good and our confidence is building."

NEXT UP: Calvin closes its weekend series with Aquinas on Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. contest at Southside Ice Arena.