(Fort Wayne, IN) – Concordia men's hockey competed in the WHAC tournament on Saturday afternoon, facing off against Aquinas. The Cardinals received the #3 seed after the regular season while the Saints checked in as the #2 seed. CUAA jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period and fought hard all throughout the game. However, Aquinas eventually forced overtime and claimed a 3-2 win in extra time.
Elijah Gibbons received the start in goal, making 40 saves. The Cardinals struck first just over 2 minutes into the game when Thomas Hendry capitalized on a turnover in front of the net and scored an unassisted goal. CUAA extended their lead just about 3 minutes later when Kyle Hebner scored after a quick backhand pass from Brandon Troyer. Concordia killed off a penalty midway through the period with Elijah Gibbons making 7 saves during the shorthanded situation. CUAA led 2-0 after the 1st period.
Both teams continued to make end-to-end rushes on offense early in the second period. The Cardinals earned a powerplay chance but were unable to convert. Aquinas received their own opportunity with the man advantage and broke the shutout with 6:03 remaining. Kyle Hebner had a promising rush into Aquinas' zone with under 4 minutes left, getting past his defender and firing a shot on goal, but CUAA held a 2-1 lead after the second period.
Hunter Kepple took an early shot in goal in the third period, but Aquinas tied the game 2-2 with a powerplay marker just over 3 minutes in. Abel Christians had a chance after stickhandling past multiple defenders midway through the period, but the game remained tied. Concordia received two power play opportunities in the 3rd, but Aquinas' defense held strong and the game headed to overtime tied 2-2.
Abel Christians won two early faceoffs in the extra period. The Cardinals earned an early powerplay chance in overtime, but Aquinas was able to kill the penalty. While Elijah Gibbons made multiple saves, the Saints were able to convert on their own powerplay chance to claim a 3-2 win.
