Grizzlies open ACHA DI Tournament with 8-0 win

trongsville, OH- Oakland University Hockey defeated the Mercyhurst Lakers in the ACHA DI tournament this morning at Hoover Arena by a score of 8-0.

 

Goalie Matt Toter (12-9-2) received the start in net making all 18 saves.

 

"I was realy glad the team was there for me (they) really kept the shots to the outside until the third period and that was when I really started facing some shots." Toter stated.

 

Forward Jordan MacDonald got things started for the Grizzlies with a goal at the 8:57 mark of the first period while on the power play. The Grizzlies would score four power play goals on the day.

 

Late in the period Oakland Forward Billy Balent extended the Grizzlies lead with his first career National Tournament goal.

 

"We have to come out stronger." (against ASU) Balent stated.

 

"They have a lot of talent and we just have to come out ready to play." Balent added.

 

The second period saw the Grizzlies explode for five goals including a rocket on the power play by defenseman Dustin Hopfner.

 

Not to be outdone forward Adam Novack would fire a rebound shot into a wide open Lakers net for another power play goal.

 

MacDonald and Novack would also add a goal each for the Grizzlies later in the second period.

 

Midway through the second period forward Ethan Range would extend the Grizzlies lead to 5-0. Range would also score the lone Grizzlies goal in the third period.

 

"The first goal was a great faceoff win by (Brandon) Johnson. He drew it clean back to me and I took a shot and I don't think the goalie saw it." Range stated.

 

"The second goal (Will) Gillis gave me a great pass off to the side and again I don't think the goalie saw it so I just made sure to bury it." Range added.

 

The Grizzlies outshot the Lakers 34-18.

 

Next: #13 Oakland takes on #4 Arizona State on Saturday morning at 11AM the game will air on fasthockey.com