Feb. 1, 2009
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. - Davenport claimed at least a share of the GMHL regular season title today as they shutout rival GVSU 4-0 on the road. The win is the 30th of the year for Davenport as they still have a makeup game with Michigan left in league play.
The Lakers came out very strong containing the Panthers in their own zone for the first few minutes of the game. DU finally settled into the game scoring an even strength goal at the 8 minute mark of the first period on a nice deflection by Jonah Rogowski on a wrist shot from the point by Kevin Brojek. Kevin Doyle also assisted on the play. Davenport extended their lead to two when Brett Hagen put home a shot off a bouncing puck in front of GVSU goaltender Grant Lyon.
The second period was similar to the first that had both goalies facing alot of shots with each creating many good scoring opportunities. DU goaltender Eddie Wheeler, who was playing very solid, got into an altercation with a GVSU player and was called for face masking and an automatic game misconduct. Chris Joswiak entered the game at the 13:17 mark of the second period and just minutes later, forward Jeff Kraemer extended the Panther lead to three with a powerplay goal asssited by Bobby Collar. The period ended with the Panthers outshooting the Lakers by the slim margin of 15 -14 but extending their lead to 3-0.
The third period was dominated by the Panthers. Davenport continued the pressure throwing 21 shots at the GVSU netminder. Bobby Collar scored a late power play goal to add to his two assists on the night. The final goal of the game was assisted by Adam Thomas and Jeff Kraemer.
The Panthers outshot the lakers 55-35 on the night and DU had completed their season sweep of their Grand Rapids rival.
The Panthers could face the Lakers a possibility of two more times with the GMHL Tournament at Patterson Ice Center March 6th and 7th and the National Tournament in Grand Rapids at Georgetown Arena March 17th-21st.
The next home game is Friday February 6th as the Chippewas of Central Michigan travel to Patterson Ice Center for a central region matchup. Game time is set for 8:15 PM.
