ST. LOUIS, Mo.— The No. 17 University of Michigan-Dearborn men's hockey team returned to action by taking on the No. 16 Arizona University Wildcats in the opening round of the 2022 ACHA Men's Division 1 National Championships in St. Louis, Mo.
The Wolverines would find themselves down seven minutes into the first, however, UM-Dearborn would add a late goal in the first and another midway through the second to take the lead. The Wolverine defense would tighten up in the third limiting Arizona University to 17 shots in the game, while holding on for the 2-1 victory and advancing to the next round.
With under four minutes to play in the opening period, Brendan West would tie the game with Adam Groat and Max Hartwell assisting on the tally. Chance Mathews would put UM-Dearborn in front by a goal at the 9:48 mark of the second with Groat and Rhett Limback getting the assists. The Wolverines would shut down Arizona defensively, while killing off multiple Wildcat power-plays, including a 5-on-3 advantage, as UM-Dearborn holds on to avdvance.
Kayden Pickles stood strong in goal for the Wolverines, making 16 saves on the night.
UM-Dearborn returns to action against the No.1 Lindenwood University Lions at 9 PM Friday night at the USA Arena-CICC in St. Louis, Mo.
