Nov. 22, 2009

Box Score

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Trailing 5-2 entering the third period proved to be too much to overcome for the D2 Panthers as they fell 6-4 to Liberty on Sunday. The loss drops DU to 12-8 on the year as they will be in action next on Friday, December 4 against Western Michigan.

After Liberty won both games at home at the start of the season, DU looked to come back strong against their ACHA D1 rivals. The Flames got out to a fast start as they went up 2-0 in the first but Marc Thompson (Traverse City, Mich.) kept Davenport within one after twenty minutes.

The second period was dominated on the ice by the Panthers but on the scoreboard by the Flames as DU was able to score only one time on numerous opportunities while Liberty scored three more times in the period to lead 5-2 after two.

Ben Dykstra (Kentwood, Mich.) then opened up the third with his second goal of the game which was closely followed by a goal from Kevin Brojek (Sterling Heights, Mich.) to get the home team within one.

Late in the final period DU had gotten what clearly looked to be the game tying goal, but the referees came together and called it off which then created some stir amongst the players and coaches from both teams and the action got much more intense.

After numerous penalties from each team, DU was forced to pull their goaltender Jacob Schira (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) but were unable to convert once again and the Flames scored an insurance goal with under one second to play.

The loss drops Davenport to 12-8 on the year but they still remain in the GMHL lead after defeating Michigan State on Friday night.