A four-goal outburst in the third period propelled the Hope College ice hockey team to a 5-2 win against North Carolina-Wilmington in Tuesday's opener in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 3 Tournament.
The Flying Dutchmen improved to 25-3-3 overall after winning the first of three pool games at nationals in Pelham, Alabama. The top team in each of four pools advances to Friday's national semifinals.
Hope's next pool game is against Northern Colorado on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Central.
Senior Caleb Morgan of Traverse City, Michigan (Central HS), snapped a 1-1 tie 44 seconds into the third period with a power-play goal.
The Flying Dutchmen extended their lead to 2-1 just 1:38 later when senior Ryan Restum of East Lansing, Michigan (Okemos HS) scored his 20th goal of the season.
Morgan struck again 2:44 later with his team-leading 23rd goal of the season for a 4-1 lead against North Carolina-Wilmington (19-8-1).
Freshman Garrett Gormley of Fenton, Michigan (Flint Powers Catholic HS), closed Hope's scoring with 5:03 remaining by netting his second goal of the game for a 5-2 lead. He gave the Flying Dutchmen a 1-0 with a goal 1:22 into the first period. Gormley now has 16 goals on the season.
Junior goalie Alex Caradonna of Rochester Hills, Michigan (Birmingham Brother Rice HS), was in net for Hope.
