Aquinas Outlasts Hockey in Game One of Weekend Series

(Byron Center, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar ACHA hockey team held a lead after one period, but were unable to hold on as the Aquinas College Saints went on to win by a 5-3 margin Friday evening at South Side Ice Arena in Byron Center.

After an Aquinas goal, Levi Herauf found the equalizer, unassisted, to tie the game just before the halfway mark of the first period.  Cleary would take the lead with just under two minutes left in the opening stanza, when Herauf scored again, this time with assists from Cam Thomas and Zack Wiener.  Two Saints goals in the second period would give the hosts the lead, but Wes Smith scored to tie the game, with an assist from Jonny Gardiner.  Cleary would be held scoreless in the final period, and gave up the go-ahead goal eight minutes into the third period, and the dagger fifth goal on an empty net, to lose the game 5-3.

Liam Kocur would suffer the loss in net, making 38 saves on 42 shots faced.  Cleary outshot the Saints 45-42 in the game.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday night, this time with Cleary hosting at 140 Ice Den.  The game is set to begin at 7:30 PM. ET.

*Picture courtesy of BadCatMedia*