Detroit, MI - The men's hockey team opened up a four-goal lead after the first period and did not look back en route to a 10-4 win over the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies at Clark Park in Detroit. The game got pushed back one day due to the rain on Saturday as the outdoor ice surface was not playable on Saturday.
Sophomore Gino Darin was all over the ice for Michigan-Dearborn as he tallied two goals and two assists in the win. Darin scored the first of his two goals short handed at 2:12 into the first period to make the score 1-0 with freshman Ryan Urso assisting on the tally. Darin's next tally short handed made the score 3-0 Michigan-Dearborn with 9:17 left in the first period. The Wolverines had taken the advantage when Oakland University's William Balent got sent off for cross checking. Senior Jase Paciocco picked up the assist.
Michigan-Dearborn stifled the Golden Grizzlies' power play and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Wolverines outdid their season average for goals scored. This season, Michigan-Dearborn averages 4.7 goals per contest. The Wolverines could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.
Michigan-Dearborn also got points from senior James Marchese, who also registered one goal and two assists, junior Ryan Kelly, who also tallied two goals and one assist, senior Cody Longuski, who also racked up one goal and two assists, and Paciocco, who also had one goal and three assists. Sophomore Eric Rosteck also scored for Michigan-Dearborn. More assists for the Wolverines of came via freshmen Andrei Novikov and Kevin Filthaut, who each chipped in one. Freshman Nate Ferris made 34 saves for the Wolverines on 38 shots. Michigan-Dearborn registered one goal on seven power play opportunities.
The hockey team next hosts Davenport University on Friday, January 9th at 7:30pm. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as there will be a pregame ceremony honoring Vice-Chancellor Stanley E. Henderson who is retiring next week after 10 years of service at Michigan-Dearborn and 45 years in higher education.
