Men's Ice Hockey (DIII) | 2/14/2023 11:08:00 AM

The men's ACHA Division III team was able to take a pair of games from Michigan State over the weekend and improved their record to 7-20 overall. The Panthers are trending in the right direction as winners of three straight games.

The Panthers needed overtime on Saturday at Patterson Ice Center for a 6-5 victory. Kevin Crawley played the role of hero with his overtime goal at 1:23 from Liam Simerson. Davenport looked like they were going to cruise in this one after a 4-1 lead after one period. DU scored the first four goals of the game as Simerson netted two of them to push his season total to 13. Alex Brown and Caleb Baker were also able to put the puck into the back of the net.

The Spartans then scored the next three goals as Alec Evans scored at 15:57 of the first period on the power play from Jack Ceccacci. Logan McGivern would score the only goal of the second period for the Spartans at 12:30. McGivern was at it again at 41 seconds of the third period on the power play from Ceccacci and Dylan Holman. DU regained their composure and took advantage of a power play opportunity at 7:01. Baker got his second of the game and fifth of the season with helpers from Aiden Dion and Simerson.

MSU would force overtime with the final two goals of regulation. Joe Fracassi scored at 11:35 and Grant Brennan tied it up at 11:47. Cameron Griep stopped 34 shots in net for Davenport to get the win. Simerson had the first star with two goals and two assists.

Both teams played better defense on Sunday's rematch at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing. The game featured four minor penalties on each side with both teams going 0-for-4 on the power play. Kevin Crawley scored twice for the Panthers and Simerson completed his stellar weekend with a goal and assist. Griep once again got the win with 43 saves.