DEARBORN, Mich. - The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team erupted for seven goals as they defeated the No. 24 ranked Kent State University Golden Flashes 7-2 in a Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League matchup Saturday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.
The Wolverines, who scored 14 goals over the two-game sweep of Kent State, extended their winning streak to three games. They now hold a 17-6-1 record overall and improve to 9-5 in the GLCHL.
Tied at 1-1 early in the second period, Andrew Spiegel (SO/Riverview, Mich.) broke free behind the KSU defense and received a long pass from Jeff McFarland (JR/Grosse Ile, Mich.) before scoring on a breakaway. Marcus McSweeney (JR/Chandler, Ariz.) later made it a two-goal game after adding another highlight reel goal for the Wolverines. Coming in on the two-on-one, McSweeney received a pass from Justin Dunn (FR/Trenton, Mich.) and batted the puck out of the air and past the goaltender for his fifth goal of the season.
The score would remain unchanged until late in the third period when the Wolverines exploded offensively. Goals from Dunn, Christian Ramage (FR/Taylor, Mich.), McFarland, and Troy Saunders (SO/Canton, Mich.) in a span of 2:54 allowed UM-Dearborn to cruise to victory.
Thomas Proudlock (SO/Southgate, Mich.) made 26 saves for his 10th victory of the season as the Wolverines outshot KSU 40-28. They also capitalized on 2-of-3 powerplay opportunities and went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
Spiegel led the way with a goal and three assists and McFarland added an assist to his two goal night. Andrew Palushaj (JR/Livonia, Mich.) also assisted on two goals.
UM-Dearborn is now looking forward to its highly anticipated matchup against the No. 1 ranked Minot State University. The Wolverines host the Beavers at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a UM-Dearborn hockey rally towel, while pizza will be provided for all Wolverine supporters in attendance.
