(Grand Rapids, MI) – The Concordia men's hockey team headed to Grand Rapids to take on the 21st-ranked Aquinas Saints on Friday night. The teams battle back and forth, with the Saints coming out on top in a defensive battle by the score of 3-0. 

Each side produced quality opportunities early in the contest, with both sides using an early powerplay to test the respective goaltenders. Aquinas would convert first with 7:24 remaining in the opening frame, cashing in on a tipped shot from the point during their second powerplay of the game. The Saints would use that momentum to keep the pressure on, outshooting the Cardinals 15-10 as the first period ended with a 1-0 Aquinas lead.

Concordia applied the pressure in the second, however, drawing five powerplays during the frame against the Saints, including a 5-on-3 that lasted nearly 1:30. Even with these opportunities, the Aquinas goaltender stayed firm in the paint, shutting the door on countless high quality CUAA chances. The Saints would take advantage of the Cardinals' inability to get on the board, scoring off an odd man rush at the 12:15 mark in the middle period to double their lead heading into the intermission.

The Cardinals would not stop pushing, however, killing off multiple penalties in the third period to keep the game within reach. Despite several high quality chances from Concordia, the Saints would keep CUAA off the board before tacking on an empty net goal with less than a minute remaining to clinch a 3-0 victory.

Anthony Seykora started in net for the Cardinals, putting on a dazzling display in net with 37 saves and nearly a .950 save percentage in the loss. Aquinas outshot Concordia 40-30 over the course of the contest.

This was the first time the Cardinals have been shut out in a game this season.

The Cardinals have another chance at the 21st-ranked Saints on Saturday evening, hosting them in another WHAC contest between the teams. Puck drop is set for 8pm at the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea, MI.