Oct. 26, 2007

The last time Davenport men's hockey team faced off against Michigan State the stakes were a little higher as it was a battle for the ACHA National Championship. In a game that wac decided in overtime, the Panthers had all off-season to wait for a chance at getting back at the Spartans and they made the most of it early on and held on for the 4-2 victory. The win, which is DU's second straight overall, lifts their record to 6-4-1 overall and 3-0-1 in GMHL play. On a night that saw a packed crowd at Patterson Ice Center for Homecoming, DU got on the board early and often posting three goals in the first 15:00 of play. Jonah Rogowski got the scoring going at the 12:00 mark off an assist by Kenny Jacobs. Less than two minutes later, the Panthers struck again when Bobby Collar centered a pass that was redirected into the goal by Jon Stolarz. They would then add a third goal to take full command of the game when Justin Welker cleaned up a loose puck around the net at the 4:37 mark. The Spartans would not lie down though as they struck right back less than 1:30 later to narrow the margain to 3-1. MSU then came out much more focused in the 2nd period and after making a few adjustments got within one goal at the 12:47 mark. DU then buckled down and played solid defense and added an insurance goal scored by Brett Hagen off the assist of Kenny Jacobs and Eric Troupe in the middle of the 3rd period. Chris Joswiak got the win in goal for the Panthers, who will travel to East Lansing tomorrow for a match-up with the same Spartans team. Game time is set for 12:00 PM.