DEARBORN, Mich. - The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team got a pair of goals from Kevin Bechard (SO/Trenton, Mich.) in a Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League win over No. 21 Rochester College on Senior Night Friday at the UM-Dearborn Ice Arena.
The No. 9 Wolverines led from the first goal, despite not being able to pull away from the Warriors, and held on late for a 3-2 win. UM-Dearborn moves to 19-7-1 overall and 10-5 in the GLCHL. The win locks up third place in the GLCHL regular season standings as the Wolverines gear up for the league postseason tournament next week.
The Wolverines honored five senior student-athletes in a ceremony during the first intermission. The players honored included Gino Darin (SR/Allen Park Mich.), Jeff McFarland (JR/Grosse Ile, Mich.), Nate Merchak (JR/Southgate, Mich.), Mike Payne (SR/Canton, Mich.) and Ryan Urso (JR/Livonia, Mich.), who each played their final home game for the Wolverines on Friday.
The Wolverines gained control of the game early on first period goals from McFarland and Bechard, who took over the team lead for goals this season with his 21st. After Rochester made it 2-1 with an early power play goal in the second, Bechard regained the two-goal lead for UM-Dearborn with his second of the contest.
The Warriors made it interesting late in the game on a goal with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. Rochester swarmed the rest of the way and had a late power play opportunity, but the Wolverines stood tall. Nate Ferris got the win for UM-Dearborn, making 28 saves. The Wolverines outshot the Warriors 59-30.
Tyler Groat (SO/Wyandotte, Mich.) and Nic LaBurn (SO/Northville, Mich.) each had two assists for the Wolverines, while Justin Dunn (FR/Trenton, Mich.) added one.
The Wolverines close the 2016-17 regular season in game two against Rochester at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Rochester Hills, Mich.
