Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport used their depth to cruise by Grand Valley State on Friday night as they received goals from all four lines. Mike Soto led all scorers with three goals while six other Panthers netted a goal.

The Panthers have been a known for their quick starts this season and on Saturday they didn't disappoint. Davenport took a two goal lead just over five minutes into the first period. Tyler Bitterman opened the scoring with the assists credited to Adam Lippert and Garrett Russell. A few minutes later, Zach Feher gave DU a 2-0 lead after firing the puck from the left wing. Garrett Garber and Cody Mathieu registered the assists on the play.

The Panthers power play was also a key to their success Saturday night as they registered three power play goals. With less than a minute left in the first period, Davenport was given a five minute power play after a GVSU fighting penalty. The Panthers cashed in twice on the major power play. Zachary Bodziak added one more goal in the period as he skated into the slot and received a pass from Feher to give Davenport a 3-0 lead.

The Major power play carried over into the second period as the Panthers remained on the power play for four more minutes. Bryon Guerin netted the second power play goal of the game just 43 seconds into the period.

After the power play ended, Davenport continued to play with a high energy level as they bombarded GVSU with numerous attacks. The Panthers outshot the Lakers 25-3 in the second period alone. Jordan Steger and Mike Soto each added a goal to give Davenport a 6-0 lead heading into the final period.

In the third period Soto added two goals to complete his hat trick. Nick Turcotte and Guerin were given the assist on their respective plays. Later in the period John Brooks added the final goal on another major power play.

John Cruse stopped all 14 shots he faced as he registered the win. Cruse was replaced by Andrew Habasevich six minutes into the third. Habasevich made some big saves as he was tested early and stopped 8 of the 9 shots he faced.

Post-Game Quotes Assistant Coach Jeremy Boltema

Thoughts on overall play “ I thought we played extremely well. We really played as a team today. We got goals from four different lines and three power play goals. I also thought we were much more disciplined taking only five penalties. Our penalty kill did a good job killing the few penalties that we did have.”

Post-Game Notes
Mike Soto leads the team with 29 goals…Davenport is now 8-2 in MCHC play…The Panthers will be back in action on Friday January 27 at Patterson Ice Center as they take on Robert Morris (White).