Written by Tyler Kuehl
 
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – The D2 hockey team was looking to build off a wild sweep over Michigan State, and were meeting a familiar face in Grand Valley State. The two teams met back in October, with the Panthers sweeping the Lakers. The Friday night contest begins the final weekend set in the rivalry between the two teams, as GVSU will be moving up to D1 next season.
 
The Panthers dominated the play on Friday night, doubling the Lakers in shots. Grand Valley was able to pick up a goal in the first, and it would prove to be the difference. The majority of the play was in GVSU's end, but Laker netminder David Johansson stoned DU on every chance they got, and GVSU would pick up their first win over Davenport since the 2017-18 season.
 
QUICK STATS
 
Final Score: Davenport 0 – Grand Valley State 1
Shots: DU 53 | GVSU 24
Power Play: DU (0/5) | GVSU (0/2)
Records: #8 DU (15-11-3-1) | #9 GVSU (14-13-2)
 
EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK
 
Davenport came ready to play, going right at Johansson and the Lakers right off the bat, but the Lakers' goaltender was confident and in a rhythm, turning every opportunity away. Tyler Slabaugh set up Anders Staky just passed the seven-minute mark of the first period, and that was it for the scoring.
 
Davenport had multiple grade-A scoring chances throughout the game, but whether it was Johansson making big saves, or the Panthers ringing the puck off the post, Davenport could not find the equalizer, and the Lakers would snap their five-game losing streak against the Panthers with the 1-0 win.
 
Despite the loss, head coach Chris Green was pleased with his team's effort.
 
There wasn't too much we did wrong today," Green mentioned after the game. "We stayed out of the box, we shot the puck, we played solid defense and brought a relentless attack. We couldn't find a way to put the puck behind their goalies, but not from a lack of effort. I am not upset with my boys' effort. We just have to bring that same effort tomorrow."
 
WHO'S NEXT?
 
DU comes home Saturday to play the Lakers in their final regular season meeting ever at Patterson. It will also be Senior Night, as the Panthers will honor outgoing seniors Kyle Mazur and Trevor Murray.
 
Puck drop is set for 3:20 p.m.