Smith's Hat Trick Leads Cougars to Victory Over Aquinas

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar ACHA D1 hockey team picked up their third consecutive victory Friday evening in a high scoring affair at 140 Ice Den.

After Aquinas scored the game's opening goal, Cleary would score three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead into the first intermission.  Ben Gledhow scored his first goal of the game to tie things up, with an assist from Colby Krupp.  Two minutes later, Wes Smith scored, with assists from Gledhow and Jonny Gardiner, to give the Cougars a 2-1 advantage.  30 seconds later, Gardiner would score on the power play, with assists from Gledhow and Smith.  

The second period was all Aquinas, as they scored four goals to take a 5-3 lead into the final period.  Wes Smith scored his second goal of the game to start the rally, and Ben Gledhow scored his second goal of the game to tie the game, with an assist from Dalton Cummings.  Cam Thomas gave Cleary the lead for good, with assists from Joe Heinzelman and Wes Smith.  With Aquinas pushing to tie the game, they pulled their goalie, with gave Jonny Gardiner and Wes Smith empty net goals to ice the game.

Wes Smith's hat trick was also paired with 2 assists, while Ben Gledhow added 2 goals and 2 assists.  Jonny Gardiner had 2 goals and 1 assist, while Dalton Cummings posted 3 assists.  Tyler Krasoksky picked up his second win of the season, as he made 36 saves in goal.  

Cleary's rubber match at Aquinas was cancelled on Saturday due to inclement weather.  The Cougars will next be in action on Friday, December 2, when they host the Eastern Michigan Eagles at 140 Ice Den.  The puck will drop at 8:00 PM.