Jan. 18, 2008

Big Rapids, Mich. - On a rare Thursday evening game, the Panthers travelled to Big Rapids for a game against GMHL foe Ferris State University. In the past, Ferris has played DU very tight in their own barn and last year a goal in the final minute by Rick Gadwa sealed the victory. With a 5-4 victory against the Bulldogs, Davenport has only two more GMHL games remaining, both against University of Michigan.

Even though these two teams are separated by many points in the standings, Ferris state knew what this game meant to their season. The Panthers started the game on their heels and Ferris took advantage of it. Ferris State jumped on the board first to take the early lead. Davenport scored e few minutes later to tie the game on a goal from Jeff Kraemer assisted by Jared Mailloux and Chad Anguilm. A late unassisted goal by Alex Mikla (his first of the year) gave the Panthers their first lead of the night towards the end of the first period.

Early in the second Jeff Kraemer scored his second of the night assisted by Chad Anguilm and Adam Thomas on a beautiful three on two rush. The Panthers got complacent with their lead as Ferris State stormed back with two unanswered goals to tie the game at three.

In the third, Chris Green gave the Panthers their second lead of the evening on a great unassisted play as he drove to the net and banged home his own rebound. Rick Gadwa scored the game winner (for the second year in a row against the Bulldogs) at the seven minute mark assisted by Bobby Collar. Ferris State scored seconds later to bring the game within one, but the Panthers hung on for the 5-4 GMHL victory.

The Panthers face ACHA DI Liberty University for a two game match-up Friday January 18 at 8PM and Saturday January19 at 3PM. These two teams have a great rivalry in which Liberty has won the past three games. The Panthers are looking to bounce back after being swept earlier in the season down in Lynchburg, Virginia.