By Evan Doan, Reporter
The Aquinas Saints D3 (ACHA) hockey team secured the programs first win in a 4-3 contest against the Adrian College Bulldogs (ACHA D3). The Saints found timely offense from newcomers while veteran leadership held steady on defense.
“The boys came out determined to set the tone,” head coach Nolan Smith said. “I’m proud of the effort and how the team never gave up.”
Nolan Rasmussen celebrates goal against Adrian College – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saints opened the scoring late in the first period. After junior Liam Donnelly stopped an Adrian breakaway the Saints counterattacked. Tanner Guerra would find Nolan Rasmussen in front of the net who gave the Saints an early lead with his first collegiate goal.
“It was a great feeling,” Nolan Rasmussen said. “It’s always good to get the team rolling and it resulted in a big win for us.”
The Saints would strike again shortly after on a two man advantage when Tanner Guerra’s shot from the blue line found its way through traffic and into the back of the net with nine seconds remaining in the period.
The second period was quiet for the Saints. Early in the period Adrian scored to make the score 2-1. Despite the many opportunities, the Saints were unable to continue their momentum. Liam Donnelly came up with key saves throughout the period to maintain the Saints lead.
“It was a good team effort and it showed when we play a full 60 [minutes] and show up to the rink ready to play that we are a team that can make a run for nationals,” Donnelly said. He would finish the game with a season high 68 saves.
Liam Donnelly against Adrian College – Photo by Grace Malec
An Adrian penalty gave the Saints an early man advantage to start the third period and Tanner Guerra scored again, his shot from the point beating the goalie’s blocker for his second goal of the game. Adrian responded with a goal of their own to make the score 3-2.
Only 40 seconds later, Guerra made his third goal of the game off a rebound. This was Guerra’s first collegiate hat-trick, scoring three goals in a game, in the same game he scored his first collegiate goal.
“It’s cool to put up three goals, but I’m just glad we were able to get it done as a team and come out with the win.” Tanner Guerra said. Aquinas surrendered a final goal to Adrian before the game ended making the final score 4-3 Aquinas.
The Saints return to action Saturday, Nov. 15 against the University of Michigan (ACHA D3) at 5:30 p.m. at Southside Ice Arena.
Tanner Guerra celebrates goal against Adrian College – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 