KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Jeff Slusser and Phil Wendecker led a balanced offensive attack to help the Panthers post an 8-1 win over Western Michigan on Friday night.  The win lifts Davenport, who fell to No. 9 in the latest ACHA D1 rankings, to 3-5 on the year and they will host the Stallions at 7:30pm on Saturday at Patterson Ice Center.

Jeff Slusser recorded two goals and Phil Wendecker filled the stat sheet to help Davenport break a two game skid with an impressive 8-1 win to open play in the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey Conference (GLCHL).

The Panthers got on the board early as freshman Josh Munford made a move and scored on the goalie, glove side, to give DU an early one goal lead.  Davenport would put another on the board, and it was the eventual game winner, as Zack Blumke beat the Western tender in the exact same spot as Munford.  Jeff Slusser notched the 3rd goal in the first but Western capatilzed on a power play and cut the Panthers lead to two to end the first 20 minutes.  

After a scoreless second period that saw some un-disciplined play by Davenport, the Panthers came out on fire in the third and they outscored the host Stallions 5-0 to post the 8-1 win.  DU got the first goals of their D1 careers from Jordan Phillips and Brock Carlston and they were joined by Jeff Slusser, Michael Bishop and Bo Jacobs in the scoring column,

Phil Graveline made some huge saves in the second period while DU fought off many power plays for the Stallions which included a pair of 5 on 3's for the Stallions. DU outshot Western 57-20 as Graveline finished with 19 saves.

Post-Game Quotes - Head coach Phil Sweeney

"I was very happy with the first period, and furious with the second.  I went into the locker room, said what I needed to say.  The boys responded and played a very, very strong 3rd period.  We need that killer instinct that good teams have.  Today was a big step in that direction.  From here on out we will be looking to get a lead, and when we do, we will be looking to put the team away and get a W."

Post-Game Notes

The Panthers fell three spots in the ACHA D1 rankings which were released on Friday to No. 9...It is the lowest ranking since the opening one in 2010-11...Davenport hosts Western Michigan on Saturday at 7:30pm as live stats will be avaialble