Bensenville, IL - The hockey team's great season came to an end Friday night as the Wolverines lost 8-1 to the defending National Champion University of Central Oklahoma Broncos in the second round of the ACHA National Tournament. Early on Michigan-Dearborn looked good with sophomore Andrew Palushaj scoring the game's first goal eight minutes into the game. Palushaj scored twice the night before against Navy but unfortunately his goal was the lone goal for the Wolverines against the Broncos. It looked like Michigan-Dearborn would take a 1-0 lead into the second period until Central Oklahoma scored twice with two minutes left in the first period to take a 2-1 lead after the first period.
Special teams plagued Michigan-Dearborn in the second period as Cental Oklahoma scored three goals in the period, two shorthanded goals and one power play goal. The Broncos quickly put the game out of reach with two goals within the first six minutes of the third period in winning 8-1. Sophomore goalie Nate Ferris made 48 saves in the loss as Central Oklahoma outshot Michigan-Dearborn 56-34 in the game.
The loss eliminates the hockey team from the ACHA National Tournament and ends a great season for the team. Including the postseason, the men's ice hockey team went 22-5-4 and won the GLCHL Tournament two weeks ago. The future looks good as team will bring back many of its players, but loses seniors Ryan Kelly and Kevin Filthaut.