Club hockey beats Davenport University for the first time

The Eastern Michigan University Club Hockey (6-15) skated against Davenport University (10-8) Friday night at the Taylor Sportsplex.

The game started strong. Both teams came out skating hard and looking for opportunities to score. Davenport struck first at 13:02, with a goal scored by junior Andrew Frank, with assists from senior Mason Bohlinger and junior Travis White.

The remainder of the first period was quiet. Eastern began to struggle with their passing and Davenport continued their pace. At the end of the first, Davenport led shots on goal 6-5.

From the moment the puck dropped to start the second period, Davenport kept up with the pace they set early in the game. Although Eastern had won the face-off, Davenport managed to snatch a quick second goal from sophomore Kody Polin with 19:43 on the clock. Sophomore Jordan Simmonds and freshman Mike Gessler were credited with the assists.

Davenport’s goaltender didn’t prevent the Eagles from netting their first goal of the game, scored by sophomore Kyle Sandera with 18:02 on the clock, and assists coming from freshmen Jimmy Peplinski and Tyler Kates. This was Sandera’s first score as an Eagle.

“Sandera played a great game last night,” said Coach Kevin Gee, “He’s a hard worker and does his job. He’s a second-year player, but doesn’t get time on the power play. So, it’s nice to see him get that goal. It definitely lifted our players.”

During the second period, Davenport suffered a penalty for having too many men on the ice at 13:06. Eastern used the extra man to their advantage as Peplinski put the puck past Davenport’s goaltender for a power play goal. Freshman Jon Farkas and senior Jordan Roemer (captain) are marked with the assists.

The game didn’t remain tied for long, as Davenport responded with a second goal by Polin at 10:05, assisted by Simmonds and sophomore Chris Eckler.

The second period ended with Davenport still leading in shots on goal 15-12.

Both teams began the third period strong. Eastern freshman Hunter Ledgerwood tied the game 3-3 with a goal scored at 10:13, with assists from Freshman Luke Dmytro and Peplinski.

Regulation time ended with the score tied and Davenport leading in shots on goal with 24. Both teams had a quick talk before they headed back to center ice for over time. Playing 4-on-4, the game continued with its quick pace and hard hits.

Anthony Stankiewicz, an Eastern senior, passed the puck into the slot and a deflection off of the skate of freshman Jon Farkas helped the puck find the back of the net for an Eagles over-time win with a final score of 4-3.

“We got a complete team effort and beat Davenport for the first time ever. They were well prepared after practicing very well this week and it showed,” Gee said. “Our players were extremely well disciplined. We had zero penalties, which is unheard of at this level of hockey. They are committed to the game plan and this is just another example that anyone can be anyone at any given night in the GLCHL.”

The Eagles have a rematch with Davenport Saturday, Dec. 6 at Patterson Arena. The puck drops at 5:30 p.m.

The Eagles take on the University of Michigan – Dearborn next weekend Dec. 12-13 with both games being played at the Taylor Sportsplex. The game will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Alumni game will also be Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m and directly followed by the Eastern Michigan University v. University of Michigan – Dearborn game at 8:30 p.m.

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