Bensenville, IL - The men's ice hockey team opened up the ACHA National Tournmament with a convincing 5-0 win over Navy. Sophomore Andrew Palushaj continued his goal scoring streak as he scored the game's first goal at 8:43 in the first period. Palushaj's goal proved to be the only goal of the period.
The Wolverines took control of the game in the second period. Junior TJ Zak scored an unassisted goal just eight minutes into the period. Just over two minutes later, freshman Kevin Bechard made it 3-0. Michigan-Dearborn continued to apply pressure as Palushaj would net his second goal of the game just over a minute after Bechard's goal. The four goals were more than enough for sophomore goalie Nate Ferris. Coming off being named the MVP in the GLCHL Tournament, Ferris stopped all 26 shots that Navy threw at him. Sophomore Jeff McFarland added a goal in the third period giving the Wolverines a 5-0 win. Palushaj finished the game with two goals and one assist while McFarland had one goal and one assist.
Michigan-Dearborn will next face the # 4 seed and defending National Champions University of Central Oklahoma Friday night at 8:00pm CST.