Feb. 13, 2009
Box Score
BYRON CENTER, Mich. - The Davenport University D-III Ice Hockey Program earned its first ever post-season victory after beating Oakland University 6-3 in the first round of the ACHA North Regional this evening at Southside Ice Center. The Panthers scored two power-play goals and one shorthanded goal to gain the upper hand in the season series at 2-1.
First period action would be a defensive battle for the DU squad, as they would have to withstand 14 shots on goal from the Grizzlies. Davenport's offense would struggle to gain any pressure on the Oakland net, but an early power play goal from Adam Tomacari gave the Panthers the 1-0 advantage. After some hard hitting and relatively penalty free play for the middle part of the period, the DU offense struck again off the stick of Greg Schmidt to extend the lead to two heading into the first break.
The second period offered the majority of the evening's penalty action, which even extended to the Oakland bench and coaching staff. After a power play goal early in the second period from Jordan Steger extended the Panther lead to 3-0, the OU penalty box began to fill. Unfortunately the Davenport skaters would not take advantage of these advantages, but the period would take a toll on the Grizzly stamina and composure. Two late goals would give the Oakland bench something to cheer about, but the frustration was evident on the visiting side.
The final period would showcase the DU determined nature. Following the late goals allowed in the last seconds of the second, Coach Green rallied the Panther players to come out firing on all cylinders. Andy Holtrop would be the first to quiet the Oakland cheers at the 4:54 mark followed by Mike Bowolda ten minutes later. With the score at 5-2, the grizzlies would add a goal of inspiration in the last three minutes of the contest, but Jordan Steger would seal the door on the first round win with a shorthanded, empty net goal in the final minute.
The win sets the overall record at 18-14 and moves Davenport within one game of the ACHA D3 National Tournament in Rochester, NY. The Panthers look to punch their ticket to New York tomorrow night to face GVSU at 6:00 PM at Southside Ice Center.
