Game Scoring | Regional Scores

MACOMB, Mich. – The Panthers are one win away from returning to nationals after defeating UM-Flint 4-1 Friday night. DU will play tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for their chance to go to the National Tournament against Adrian-Gold who defeated GVSU 3-1 in the final game of the night in Macomb.

The Panthers tallied the only goal of the first period when Justin Welker (Speedway, Ind.) found the back of the net at 5:59. Setting up Welker for the goal were Garrett Russell (Midland, Mich.) and Jordan Steger (Caledonia, Mich.).

Davenport would add two more goals in the second period to up their lead to 3-0. Steger knocked in a rebound at 10:19 with assists going to Welker and Garrett Garber (Cadillac, Mich.). At 15:28 Ben Duthler (Grand Rapids, Mich.) scored on a delayed power play to give the Panthers the 3-0 lead. Both Garber and Russell picked up their second assists of the game on the Duthler goal.

UM-Flint got on scoreboard at 15:09 of the third period on a shorthanded goal. However, the Panthers would end any hope UM-Flint had of a comeback when Duthler scored on an empty net at 18:10.

John Cruse (Shelby Twp, Mich.) picked up the win in net for the Panthers. Cruse only allowed the one goal late in the third period.

The Panthers return to the ice tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. against the #6 seed Adrian-Gold. The Bulldogs defeated GVSU 3-1 in the final game of the night. The winner of tomorrow's game will advance to the National Tournament.