MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. -- The No. 2 Adrian College Men's ACHA Division 1 hockey team opened its National Championship quest with a 4-1 win over No. 15 Calvin University in the round of sixteen at the ACHA National Championship Tournament on Friday.

The Bulldogs met the Knights for the third time this season, having bested their GLCHL conference foes by 7-2 and 3-1 scores back in January.

Adrian opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the first period, thanks to an opening tally from Senior Captain, Matteo DiGiulio, off an impressive breakout passing play from Dylan Gajewski and Sebastian Smith. Adrian responded quickly with Justin Jamer, who potted a goal off the forecheck, assisted by Hunter Allen and Ethan McLaughlin, to put the Bulldogs up by two at the intermission.

In the second period, the Bulldogs pressed for more, adding two more goals to go up 4-0 after two periods of play. Blake Wideman tallied first, halfway through the middle frame, on a rebound goal assisted by Gajewski and Jordan Comilla. Sam Spaedt then followed that up with a great solo effort, assisted by Brodie Thornton.

Calvin would find a power play goal in the third period, but did not have enough to answer Adrian who held on for the opening win. Shots in the game were 30-15 in favor of the Bulldogs, who received 14 saves from goaltender, Noah Decottignies.

The Bulldogs will await their next opponent as No. 7 Liberty University and No. 10 University of Mary will face off tomorrow afternoon at 4:45 PM CST. Adrian will take on the winner of that contest in the Quarterfinal round on Sunday at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights. Puck drop for that match-up is 4:45 PM CST.

For daily updates, recaps, coverage, and information on the Adrian College Men's Division 1 hockey team at the 2024 National Championships, follow them on Twitter (X) or Instagram, @AdrianMD1Hockey, or head to their page on the Adrian College Athletics website.