Box Score Photo Gallery
ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Panthers defeated Oakland University 6-3 in an intense matchup at the Grizzlies home rink. Center
Donald Sund posted five points for DU, scoring two goals and capturing three assists. The two teams have one night of rest before they meet again at Patterson Ice Center on Saturday at 5:20 p.m.
The first period of play began with back and forth trips up and down the ice for both teams. Panther goaltender
John Cruse saw some action but was able to capitalize on several saves after multiple shots from the Grizzlies. As the period approached its end,
Jake Otto was able to strike the back of the net for the Panthers 15 minutes into the period after a set of passes from
Jake Hambidge and
Donald Sund. A little more than a minute later DU was able to earn another goal from
Daniel Swink, giving Hambidge is second assist of the night and his team a 2-0 lead at the end of the period.
Action started quick in the second period of play when Otto got another goal after a string of passes from
Dugan Kelly and Sund less than three minutes into the second. Intense offensive plays consumed the second period, but both goalies were able to hold their own until Sund found the back of the net with a one-timer following a pass from Otto. Davenport held a 4-0 lead for the majority of the period but Oakland player Anthony Kurland snuck a shot past Cruse for a late second period goal.
OU was able to get a quick goal just 34 seconds into the period and make the score 4-2. As the period continued Davenport was given a power-play opportunity and Burton took advantage, scoring after a key passing play by Garret Garber and Sund. The third period saw a ton of shots and good chances but both goalies were putting saves on the board. With less than two minutes to play the Grizzlies capitalized on a power-play chance, putting them down by only two goals. DU responded with a a last minute goal from Sund to finish the game 6-3.
The Panthers have one night to rest before they look to for a second win tomorrow at 5:20 p.m., against the Grizzlies tomorrow at their home rink.
