DEARBORN, Mich. – Three Wolverines recorded hat-tricks for the No. 2 University of Michigan-Dearborn men's hockey team in a win over Western Michigan University Friday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.
Tyler Groat, Michael Hodgson and Justin Dunn combined for nine goals as the Wolverines defeated the Stallions 12-2. The victory pushes UM-Dearborn to 13-2-1 on the season.
Moments after being honored for recording his 100th career goal before the opening puck drop, Groat got the scoring started to give UM-Dearborn the early lead. After the Stallions tied the game at 1-1, it was all UM-Dearborn the rest of the way.
Hodgson scored to give UM-Dearborn a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. In the second, the Wolverines exploded for five goals, including two on a five-minute power play, to chase WMU goaltender Alex Hufford after the second period.
It was more of the same in the third as Hodgson and Dunn scored two goals each to complete their hat-tricks. The hat trick was the second for Dunn in as many games dating back to a win over Davenport University on Dec. 15.
A late tally from John Ames gave UM-Dearborn the 12-2 lead with 30 seconds remaining. Troy Saunders and Dawson Richard each added a goal, while Billy Brock finished with four assists.
The Wolverines outshot the Stallions 51-24 as Thomas Proudlock made 22 saves to record his 12th win of the season.
UM-Dearborn returns to action against Western Michigan University at 7 pm Saturday in game two of the series at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.
