Box Score Site: Grand Rapids, Mich. (Eagles Ice Center)
Score: Davenport  5, Oakland 3
Records: DU (29-6-0-0), OU (26-4-0-2-2)
Next DU event: Tuesday, March 11 – vs. Aurora University - ACHA National Tournament – 1 p.m.
 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Davenport D3 hockey team had a strong start against Oakland University with goals from Dugan Kelly and Jake Otto in the first but used an even better third period to down the Grizzlies of Oakland University to claim the MCGC Playoff title with a 5-3 win. Davenport, now 29-6 on the year, turns its attention to the national tournament in Coral Springs, Fla. From March 11-15.
 
After a scoreless first half of period one, Dugan Kelly gave DU the 1-0 lead following a passing play from Willis Gelow and Brandon Madaj eleven minutes into the period. Less than three minutes later, Jake Otto caught a pass from Donald Sund and slipped it by Oakland's goaltender, giving Davenport the two goal lead and a good start to the MCHC Title game.

Oakland cut Davenport's lead to a single goal after a diving shot from Jon Graham that barely made it past John Cruse three minutes into the second period and the Grizzlies managed to tie the game with a goal just seven minutes later to bring the score to 2-2 after two.
 
The Panthers broke the third period tie after Branden Burton found the back of the net three minutes and 12 seconds into the period. Zachary Bodziak scored for DU with eight minutes remaining, but their two goal lead didn't last long as Oakland found the back of the net thirty seconds later to create a 4-3 situation as the third period began to wind down. D3 scored a clutch goal with five minutes remaining that put them up 5-3 and Oakland couldn't recover and the MCHC Playoff Championship is coming to Grand Rapids for the second time in program history.
 
The Panthers have one week to prepare before they head to Coral Springs, Fla. for the ACHA DIII National Tournament where they will take on Aurora University in game one on March 11. DU will also face Ole Miss and California (Pa.) in Pool B.
 
D3 Ice Hockey Contact: Ryan Clarkson | 616-745-9420 | rclarkson1@davenport.edu
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