Box Score Site: Rochester, Mich. (Onyx Ice Arena)
Score: No. 12 Davenport 1, No. 6 Adrian 4
Records: DU (25-11-0-3), AC (28-5-0-1)
Next DU event: Saturday, March 8 – vs. Stony Brook – ACHA National Tournament – 10 a.m.
 
ROCHESTER, Mich. – The D1 hockey team looked to defend their GLCHL Tournament title as they played No. 6 Adrian. Robert Kleiman scored the only goal for the Panthers, as DU fell in the conference championship game 4-1. Davenport is now 25-11-0-3 on the season, and will have the next two off to prepare for the National Tournament where they will face No. 5 Stony Brook on March 8 at 10 a.m. in Newark, Del.
 
The first period was a quick back and forth period, both teams had chances to score with loose in front of the net, but neither team could score in an opening period with very few whistles that made the period fly by. After the first period the game was still scoreless as both goalies came up big to keep the offense to a minimum.
 
Adrian came out firing in the second period and broke the ice to take the lead just a couple minutes into the period. In the closing minutes of the period, the Bulldogs added on another goal to take a 2-0 lead heading into the second intermission.
 
The Bulldogs started the third period the same way they started the second, and scored a goal in the first minutes of the period to increase their lead to three goals. DU tried to get on the board, but the Adrian net minder came up with some timely saves to keep it a three-goal game.
 
Partway through the period, Adrian added another goal to make a 4-0 game with only a few minutes remaining in regulation. Robert Kleiman was able to spoil the shutout for the Bulldog goaltender with goal in the minute of play, but the Panthers could not rebound and defend their conference title as Adrian won the game 4-1.
 
After the game head coach Phil Sweeney talked about his team's performance today, "We did not play our best hockey today. We have been playing very well this semester so it is almost shocking when we have an off day. This is a good hockey team, and we will not dwell on this too long. We have to look ahead and prepare for a very good Stony Brook team. We will be ready for Stony Brook in two weeks, there is no doubt in my mind. I am excited to bring this team to Delaware, we can be really good and I am excited for us to show it."
 
The Panthers will play Stony Brook in the Round of 16 to open their National Tournament run on Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. in Newark, Del.
 
Post-Game Notes
 
Robert Kleiman was the lone goal scorer for the Panthers and Phil Graveline made his 24th start in net this season, as the DU is now 25-11-0-3 on the season. This is only the fifth time this season Davenport has been held to only one goal.
 
DI Ice Hockey Contact: David Gerhart | 616-554-5045 | dgerhart@davenport.edu
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