https://www.aqsaints.com/article/2629.php

The Aquinas College men's hockey team concluded their season on a 14-game winning streak that culminated with the Saints being crowned National Champions.  Aquinas defeated the Knights of Calvin College 4-3 at the Ice Haus in Columbus, Ohio to secure the title.  The Saints completed the five game, five day national tournament by outscoring their opposition to the tune of 23-10.  Aquinas finished the season with a 34-5-1 record and brought home the MCHC West Tournament title and the MCHC Vezina Cup to go along with last nights ACHA Men's D3 National Championship.

The Saints, who finished as National Runner-Up in 2016, were looking to secure the school's first national championship.  The only roadblock was from our friendly neighbors down the East Beltline, Calvin College.  Three miles, two schools, but only one champion.  Aquinas' last set back was back on February 3rd against Calvin College 4-3.  Aquinas did defeat the Knights the following night 4-2, which set up the rubber match on the ACHA D3's biggest stage.

An early goal by Billy Warren (JR/Montgomery, Illinois) in the third minute of play gave the Saints a 1-0 advantage.  The rest of the first came and went with no more scoring on either side.  Aquinas would add to their lead as the Saints snuck one past the Calvin goalie with 5:59 to play in the second to push the lead to 2-0.  Warren would add his second goal of the night late in the middle period to extend the lead to three goals.  Calvin would light the lamp before the close of the second to trim their deficit to 3-1 with 20 minutes to play.  The Knights would strike again at the 15:23 mark of the final period to slice the lead to one goal.  The Knights rally would be halted by a goal by Zach Grover with 13:03 to play.  Grover's score would eventually be deemed the game winner.  Calvin continued to battle and scored their third goal of the contest with 3:30 remaining in regulation. The Saints, holding the one goal advantage, just needed to play strong defense  and keep the Knights from adding any more goals.  A feverish final few minutes gave the Knights some scoring opportunities, but Sean Schmeiser (SR/Grand Rapids, Michigan) and the AQ defense held and secured the title.