The Calvin College men’s hockey team posted a much-needed victory over the Dordt College Blades. In what could be billed as the Stanley Cup of the Christian Reformed Church, the Knights skated to a 5-2 victory on Monday night in front of a capacity crowd at the Kentwood Ice Arena.

The much anticipated contest was a season highlight for junior Assistant Captain Phil Kooy (London Christian). “Whenever the Blades make the roady to GR, we’re always jacked to play them. We’re all happy with tonight’s outcome; we can claim the CRC Cup once again.”

From the opening face off to the final horn, the Knights were in full control of the game. Calvin got on the scoreboard first as sophmore winger John DeKorne (Grand Rapids Christian) banged home a rebound off Dordt goaltender Frans Guillaume at 16:08 in the first period. The Blades responded by notching the score at 1-1 with a Mikal Debbink goal with six minutes remaining in the opening period.

In the middle period, Calvin jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead. Freshman sensation Jason Koole potted his first of three goals on an assist from Kooy at the 16:08 mark.

The other Calvin goal was scored by sophmore Jason Camp. Heading into the final period, the Knights appeared quite confident about claiming the CRC Cup.

However, Dordt answered with a quick tally in the opening minutes of the third period. But Calvin’s confidence did not appear to be rattled, as Koole netted his second goal on another assist from Kooy.

The Knights pounded the final nail into the Blades’ coffin when Koole completed the hat-trick by scoring an empty-net goal with just sixty-seven seconds remaining in the game.

Kooy summed up the evening by saying, “We knew that if we brought the body, Dordt wouldn’t stand a chance, especially in our house. When you stick to the game plan, good things happen.”

The Knights certainly dominated the physical play, helping account for the victory. The Knights are back in action this Friday, when they travel to Saginaw to face Northwood University.