Wolverines Split Series With Pittsburgh After Shootout Victory

DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn (12-10-1) men's ice hockey team split a mid-season non-conference matchup against the University of Pittsburgh (13-5-3). Dearborn dropped the first matchup 5-1 but returned on Saturday (Jan. 21) and took the series finale 6-5 after Brendan West buried the only goal in a thrilling shootout. 

West helped the Wolverines race out to a 2-0 lead in the first period as the winger found the back of the net twice. Joey Cullinan tallied assists on the goals. Bailey Byrd added to the Wolverine lead just 90 seconds into the second period when West threw a puck into the slot as Byrd was driving to the net, and the Freshman lifted the puck over the goalie's glove and into the top of the net. 

Pitt would rely on their special teams unit to get one back as the Panther power play linked up to beat Eric Polzin for the first time. However, Byrd would answer right back, scoring an unassisted goal three minutes later to make it 4-1 Wolverines. Both teams would combine for six goals in the period, and the Wolverines maintained a 5-3 lead. 

The third period was all Panthers as they outshot Dearborn 15-2 in the final period and tied the game up with 27 seconds remaining on a 6-on-4 after a costly penalty by the Wolverines. 

The fans at UM-Dearborn Ice Arena were treated to some free hockey, and in the extra five minutes of play, the score remained deadlocked at five. Each team sent three skaters to center ice in a penalty shootout, and only one player could scratch one past the goal line. West slipped one past the goaltender's blocker to give Dearborn their only shootout goal. Polzin stopped the ensuing Panther attempt and emphatically celebrated the victory over the ninth-ranked panthers. 

Up Next

Dearborn welcomes Cleary on Friday (Jan. 27) for a conference matchup at 7 pm.