ROMEOVILLE, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team battled hard but ultimately fell to UMary, 3-2, on Friday, (Nov. 22) in the ACHA Chicago Showcase. Despite a solid late-game push, the Wolverines couldn't overcome a two-goal deficit, with UMary's late third-period goal proving to be the difference.
The game started with a tense, back-and-forth first period, but neither team could break through. Both squads had opportunities to get on the scoreboard, but the goaltenders stood tall. UMary's Caleb Cross made several key saves, while Michigan-Dearborn's Drew Adams was also solid between the pipes, keeping the score level at 0-0 going into the first intermission. The period was marked by a few penalties on both sides, but neither team could capitalize on the special teams chances.
The game opened up in the second period, and UMary was the first to strike. At 9:16, Liam Massie scored a shorthanded goal, assisted by Dylan Cunningham and Dylan Thompson, giving UMary a 1-0 lead. Michigan-Dearborn had opportunities to respond but couldn't solve Cross, who stopped all nine shots he faced in the period.
As the clock wound down, UMary doubled their lead. With just 36 seconds remaining in the second, Alex Senf found the back of the net, assisted by Michael Heitkamp and Joe Gronholz, putting the Marauders up 2-0. The Wolverines had a late power play opportunity but were unable to capitalize, leaving them facing a two-goal deficit heading into the final frame.
The Wolverines came out with renewed energy in the third period, hoping to claw their way back into the game. At 8:43, Dawson Nelson cut the lead to 2-1, scoring off an assist from Carter Allen. The goal energized the Wolverines, who increased the pressure on the UMary defense. However, with less than two minutes remaining, Palmer Sinclair put the game out of reach for Michigan-Dearborn, scoring an unassisted goal at 18:23 to make it 3-1.
Despite the setback, Michigan-Dearborn kept pushing and found a late answer when Justin Renzi scored with just 12 seconds left, assisted by Bailey Byrd and Ryan Stanley. However, it was too late, and UMary held on for the 3-2 victory.
