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For Immediate Release: November 22, 2013
Site: Grand Rapids, Mich. (Patterson Ice Center)
Score: Davenport University 3, Grand Valley State 1
Records: DU (14-3), GVSU (13-9)
Next DU event: Saturday, November 23, V.S. Grand Valley State at GVSU starting at 5:30 p.m.
 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport got the early first period lead from Byron Guerin which helped lead the Panthers in the right direction, along with a solid effort from DU's defense resulting in no Laker goals, allowed good control through the crucial first period. The Panthers kept Grand Valley scoreless throughout the second and increased their lead one goal, remaining in control. GVSU capitalized on a late third period goal but DU limited them to only that and was able to finish the fame with a 3-1 win. The Panthers head to Allendale for a 5:30 p.m. game to finish the weekend out against GVSU.

Davenport caught the early lead opportunity at home when Bryon Guerin struck goal gold just minutes into period one. The majority of the rest of the period played out with offensive opportunities here and there for the Panthers but no one could find the back of the net. Four minutes remained when Jordan Crawford fired the puck past Laker goalie Jiri Aberle after a quick passing play between Daniel Swink and Blake Damerow. DU's defense and John Cruse remained in control when the puck was in their zone allowing GVSU to get nothing to Cruse.

Aberle was seeing constant pressure from the Davenport offense to increase their lead throughout the beginning of the second period. Patrick Martin made a huge play for the Panthers down in front of the net after a perfectly placed pass from Jake Hambidge with eight minutes to play in the second, giving DU a solid 3-0 lead. DU remained confident and in control until the end of the period, keeping Grand Valley scoreless going to the third period.

Cruse began the period with a series of excellent saves from strong GVSU opportunities. The Lakers improved their offense as the third period went on and with seven minutes remaining scored their first goal of the game in front against a screened Cruse. A Time-out following Grand Valleys goal allowed DU to regain composure and finish the game strong on defense with a 3-1 Panther win over the Lakers.
The Panthers have one night to rest before they head to Allendale on Saturday to take on the Lakers in game two beginning at 5:30 p.m.

D3 Ice Hockey Contact: Ryan Clarkson | 616-745-9420 | rclarkson1@davenport.edu
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