DEARBORN, Mich. — The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey returned to action with a home-and-home series against the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils in a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup.
Friday night saw the Wolverines down early in the first, with LTU striking two more times in under two minutes to push its lead to three late in the second. The Wolverines would connect on the power play before the end of the middle frame, however, the Blue Devils would ice it with a short-handed goal, giving them the 4-1 over UM-Dearborn.
Blake Petterle had the lone Wolverine goal in the game with Josh Makarchuk and Matt Cunningham adding the assists.
Drew Adams took the loss in goal, making 26 saves in the game.
Saturday afternoon, saw Lawrence Tech jump out to an early lead once again, scoring just over a minute into the game. UM-Dearborn would respond as Danny Fletcher connected off of a Ryan Tests pass and with Petterle getting the additional assist. The Blue Devils would open the second up with a quick goal, however, 90 seconds later senior Quest Bigelow would bang home a rebound on the power play to tie the game at two. Senior Joey Cullinan and Declan Flanagan would add the assists.
The lead was short-lived as LTU would score just 30 seconds later to re-take the lead while adding another six minutes later to put its lead to two. However, the Wolverines would continue their success on the power play, adding another tally on the man advantage when Flanagan picked the top corner off of a shot from the blue line to get his team back in it. Petterle and Cullinan assisted on the play. UM-Dearborn threw everything at the net in hopes of tying the game up, which happened when Jake Emery connected on a passing play from Chance Matthews to even the game at four. The game would go to overtime with the Blue Devils Thimo Ey getting the game-winner, handing the Wolverines a 5-4 overtime loss.
Senior Tanner Beals took the loss despite a strong effort, making 23 saves.
The Wolverines return to action in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference playoff( Feb. 16-18) which will be held at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena. The opponent and times will be announced soon, please refer to WHAC.net or athletics.umdearborn.edu for more information regarding the event.
