GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Davenport ACHA D1 men's hockey battled back from an early deficit but came up just short in a 5-4 loss to No. 9 Calvin University on Wednesday, February 4 at Patterson Ice Center. Calvin struck quickly with a pair of goals just 16 seconds apart midway through the opening period before Davenport answered with a goal from Robert McLaughlin to cut the margin. McLaughlin's sixth goal of the season at 13:39 was assisted by Matthew Carlson and Branwen Pollett. The Knights added another late in the first at 16:07 from Gibson Grendel (second of the season) to take a 3-1 lead into the intermission. Kyler Lowden stopped 12 shots in the first and then was replaced by Paul Jarvis. Jarvis would finish the game stopping 23-of-25 shots.

After a scoreless stretch for most of the second period, Calvin extended its advantage to 4-1 with a late goal at 17:53 by Marshall Beaker unassisted. The Panthers and Knights each had 11 shots on goal in the second period.

The Panthers mounted an impressive rally early in the final period, scoring three times in under eight minutes on goals by Sammy Mielock, Jack Kelly, and Noah Bradburn to even the contest at 4-4. Calvin, however, regained the lead with just over two minutes remaining, as former Panther Trent Benedict scored his 10th goal of the season at 17:49, sealing the 5-4 final. Benedict took a penalty at 15:18 for holding, but DU could not take the lead on their only power play chance of the contest. Davenport finished with 36 shots on goal, highlighted by a strong third-period push, but ultimately could not complete the comeback against a Calvin squad that totaled 40 shots in the win. Adam Yost made 32 saves for the Knights.

The Panthers will wrap up the regular-season slate on Sunday, Feb. 8 when they host Aquinas College at 2:00 PM. The team will honor their seniors before the game at Patterson Ice Center.