DEARBORN, Mich. - The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team won its seventh straight game, topping Mercyhurst University in the opener of a weekend series Friday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.

The No. 11 Wolverines scored six times in the opening period to put the game away early, eventually closing out the win 8-2. UM-Dearborn is now 11-5-1 overall this season.

The scoring started early with Gino Darin (SR/Allen Park Mich.) netting two goals in the opening minutes to give his team the early advantage. John Barlow (SO/Shelby Twp, Mich.) and Tyler Groat (SO/Wyandotte, Mich.) made it 4-0 with goals less than a minute apart, followed by Kevin Bechard (SO/Trenton, Mich.) and Groat again just before the intermission horn.

Justin Dunn (FR/Trenton, Mich.) and Nic LaBurn (SO/Northville, Mich.) each found the net in the second period to make it 8-2 as the teams skated to a scoreless third period. Dunn had three assists, while Bechard, LaBurn and Andrew Spiegel (SO/Riverview, Mich.) each added a pair.

Nathan Ferris (JR/Weyburn, Saskatchewan) got the win in net for the Wolverines, stopping 17 Laker shots. Both teams went the entire game without taking a penalty.

UM-Dearborn and Mercyhurst finish the two-game set at 7:30 p.m. Saturday back at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena. All who attend the floor dedication ceremony, which starts with the Wolverine women's basketball game at 1 p.m. Saturday, receive free admission to the UM-Dearborn hockey game.