Feb. 23, 2008
Rochester, Mich. - Oakland University and Davenport University have developed a rivalry that is fierce, competitive and very entertaining for all the fans. The two teams have split the season series two games apiece heading into Friday night's 5th and final match-up between the Panthers and the Grizzlies for the 2007-2008 season.
The rivalry was elevated to a new level when the Davenport Panthers "borrowed" Oakland's "Good Luck Duck" after a 2-0 win at Oakland home rink at The Onyx in Rochester, MI on Feb. 1st. Oakland heard about their missing duck earlier in the morning. The Grizzlies retrieved the Duck the next day in Grand Rapids and won the game in a shootout.
The "Good Luck Duck" is now the ultimate prize for winning the season long series.
Friday night, the Panthers came out on fire dominating the first five minutes of the game. They did everything but score, but the Panthers were rewarded at the 10 minute mark of the first with the only goal of the period from former Oakland player Jonah Rogowski, assisted by freshman Brit Ouellette.
In the second, Oakland University bounced back with two unanswered goals from Matt Kowalczyk and Jesse Worell. One minute later, the Panthers tied it up with a goal from Kevin Doyle assisted by Jeff Kraemer and Justin Poorman. Davenport took the lead for good when Jeff Kraemer found the back of the net assisted by Wes Baughman. Late in the second period Bobby Collar extended the Panthers lead to two on a sweet pass from Chad Anguilm. The period ended DU 4 - OU 2.
The third period went scoreless for the first 10 minutes until the Panthers opened up a three goal lead when Jonah Rogowski fired home a one-timer (his second of the game). Chad Anguilm then tipped one in off a shot from Bill McSween and Bobby Collar also assisted on the play. Oakland battled back to cut the lead in half with a goal from Brett Haugh before Kevin Doyle iced the game (his second of the game) with a thrilling one-timer from the corner off a beautiful sauce pass from Bill McSween. Jeff Kraemer assisted as well giving him three points on the night. Panthers win 7-3.
With the "Good Luck Duck" now in Grand Rapids awaiting a new paint job, the Panthers plan on bringing him along to the GMHL and ACHA DII National Tournament games.
The Panthers next action starts on Friday, February 29th in Carmel, Indiana as the first round of the GMHL playoffs begin. This is a single elimination tournament. The Panthers open the tournament at 5:00 PM local time as the #1 seed and face-off against the Bulldogs of Ferris State. For more information on the GMHL visit the Davenport University Athletic Website or go directly to the GMHL site at http://gmhl.davenport.edu/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
