HOWELL, Mich. -- In an exciting, back-and-forth contest, the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team secured a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Cleary University on Friday (Nov. 15) at the 140 Ice Den. With the win, Michigan-Dearborn improved to 8-5 on the season and 8-3 in conference play.
The game started in a defensive battle, with neither team able to find the back of the net in the first period despite a combined 16 shots on goal. Both teams had opportunities but were stymied by solid goaltending and disciplined defensive play.
In the second period, Michigan-Dearborn struck first at 7:03 when Will Barrett found the net with Craig McKague's and Zak Januszkowski's assists. However, Cleary responded less than five minutes later, at 11:42, when JC Garbacik tied the game at 1-1, assisted by Collin Kerchoff.
Both teams continued to pressure in the third period, but neither could break the deadlock. As the game headed into overtime, the tension built, with both teams having their chances but unable to finish in the final minutes of regulation.
In overtime, Michigan-Dearborn came out on top just 1:40 into the extra frame when Bailey Byrd buried the game-winner, assisted by Ryan Stanley, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite a strong performance by Cleary's goalie Vincent Parent, who made 24 saves, Drew Adams of Michigan-Dearborn was the difference-maker in net. Adams stopped 23 of 24 shots to earn the victory, improving his record to 8-5.
Both teams went scoreless on power plays, as Michigan-Dearborn was 0-for-2 and Cleary was also 0-for-2 on the man advantage.
Three Stars of the Game:
- Bailey Byrd (UM-Dearborn) – Game-winning goal in OT.
- Ryan Stanley (UM-Dearborn) – Key assist on the game-winning goal.
- JC Garbacik (Cleary) – Scored the lone goal for Cleary.
The win keeps Michigan-Dearborn within striking distance of the top teams in their conference, improving their standing to 8-3 in league play. The two teams will meet again shortly as the Wolverines take on the Cougars on Saturday (Nov. 16).
