The men's hockey team returned to the Arctic Coliseum ice on Wednesday evening for matchup against Bowling Green (ACHA D2). The Cardinals scored the first goal and never looked back defeating the Falcons 5-2. Hunter Kepple just missed a hat-trick scoring with two goals to lead the offense. The Cardinals improved their overall record to 3-4.
Hunter Kepple took advantage of the Cardinals first power play opportunity just under three minutes into the game. Kepple's goal was assisted by Kyle Hebner. The Falcons evened the score at the 16 minute mark with a power play goal. Quinn Bieniek gave the Cardinals the 2-1 advantage adding a goal with just under two minutes left in the period. Abel Christians assisted on the goal. The first period ended with the Cardinals leading 2-1.
The Cardinals attacking style of play continued into the second period when Tyler Groth scored two minutes into the period. Groth's goal was assisted by Quinn Bieniek and Abel Christians giving the Cardinals a 3-1 advantage. Bowling Green would not go away scoring a minute later to make it 3-2. The Kepple and Hebner duo connected again at the 12 minute mark in the second period giving Kepple his second goal. The Cardinals entered the intermission leading 4-2.
The Cardinals cruised in the third period adding an unassisted insurance goal from Tyler Bieniek.
Stephen Ward-Brown was solid between the pipes for the Cardinals as he recorded 17 saves to earn the win.
The Cardinals will return to WHAC action when they host Cleary on Friday night at 9:30pm. The Cardinals will travel to Cleary (Harland Sports Center) on Saturday February 27th for a 6:30pm puck drop.
