DEABORN, Mich. - The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team showed no rust after three weeks off, scoring seven times in the opening period en route to a one-sided win over Eastern Michigan University in a Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League matchup Friday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.
The No. 14 Wolverines got three goals from Andrew Palushaj (JR/Livonia, Mich.) and Nic LaBurn (SO/Northville, Mich.) in a 12-4 win over the Eagles. The win moves UM-Dearborn to 7-5-1 overall and 3-4 in the GLCHL.
The first period started with a flurry for the Wolverines. Kevin Bechard (SO/Trenton, Mich.) got the scoring going with a goal at the 2:51 mark, while Palushaj added his first off the night 20 seconds later and McFarland netted the first of his two goals to make it 3-0, giving UM-Dearborn three in 36 seconds.
Bechard and Palushaj each added another, while LaBurn got two for the Wolverines before the first period ended with the home team up 7-1. The rest of the way saw goals from McFarland, LaBurn, Justin Dunn (FR/Trenton, Mich.), Palushaj and Tyler Groat (SO/Wyandotte, Mich.) as the Wolverines secured the win.
Six Wolverines finished with multiple assists, including Troy Saunders (SO/Canton, Mich.) (3), McFarland (3), Bechard (3), Dunn (2), Groat (2) and Ryan Urso (JR/Livonia, Mich.) (2), while LaBurn added one assist.
After missing several games in net for UM-Dearborn, Nathan Ferris returned, picking up the win with 18 saves.
The Wolverines outshot the Eagles 37-22 in the game.
The two teams return to the ice for the series finale at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.