ADRIAN, Mich. - The ACHA DI Men's Hockey team faced plenty adversity on Thursday night with injuries and suspensions to a number of key players, but the Bulldogs refused to let it sit in their minds too long. The reason why was because they had to focus all their attention on #2 Lindenwood University who rolled into town from Missouri.
With team captain junior defenseman Chris Dixon and junior forward Jordan Spear out with suspensions and Logan Blackwell and Spencer Jordan out with injuries the guys that suited up tonight had to step up and show that they have the depth and team that can win with anybody on the ice.
Early in the first period it was like watching two heavy weight boxers go out as both the Bulldogs and the Lions were feeling each other out playing back and forth hockey. Neither team would let the other even get set up in their offensive zone. Hard hits and physical play from both teams kept it level throughout the period. Erik Wentzel showed his physical presence has he made a few heavy hits in the period trying to show that Adrian was more physical. With the Bulldogs on the penalty kill, sophomore Ryan Bachman made a diving play that cleared the zone and forced the Lions goalie to play the puck or Bachman had a break away. The Lions goalie tried to send it out of the zone, but was unable to do so as Bachman blocked it and tried to make a play with an empty net. However, the Lions goalie got away with what fans believe to be a hold or interference call as he grabbed Bachman and impeded his play. The first period would soon end with the score all knotted up at zero.
In the second period, both teams seemed to be feeling each other out even more. It seemed like whoever scored first would take the game in a 1-0 win, but there was plenty of hockey to play and the score was still zeroes. Bachman continued to make his presence felt has he made a huge hit around center ice. Later in the period, sophomore Max Gavin skated into the zone dropped the puck off to junior Kevin Sunde who shot high and just missed the cage. Adrian would again have another opportunity as senior Jack Goodell made a pass up ice to Bachman who skated in and took a shot low glove side, but the Lions goalie was equal to the task. The Bulldog penalty kill was again asked to keep the score at zero. Starting goalie for the Bulldogs sophomore Matt Anderson made a big save, but left the rebound out in front and the Bulldogs cleared the zone. Junior Spencer Bonomo used his body to block a shot that was sent in and cleared it away again. With neither team willing to quit or concede the first goal, the second period ended the same way it began with goose eggs on the board.
The third period started off the same as the first two with hard physical play. The problem is when do those shots start taking their toll on the body. The Lions had an opportunity to get the first goal of the game with a shot right in front of the cage. Sophomore Tristan Musser dropped to his knees and take the shot in the chest to save the goal. Tired legs on both sides were starting to show, but both teams continued to battle and fight. Midway through the period, the Lions were able to crack the Bulldogs defense. The puck was sliding around and Anderson was unable to find it. The puck eventually showed itself and found the stick of Lions sophomore Cameron Chinnery who was able to poke it in while Goodell was just a half second too late to get his body in front of the puck. The Lions threatened again as freshman Steve Brancheau clanked one off the right pipe. Being down by one the Bulldogs pulled Anderson for an extra skater and left an empty net, but the Bulldogs were unable to pull even before time expired. The Bulldogs fell to the Lions, 1-0.
Head Coach Dan Phelps stated after the game that the reason they schedule teams like #2 Lindenwood in non-conference games is to show that Adrian can show that we too are a high caliber team. Despite the key losses due to suspensions and injuries, coach Phelps was extremely proud of how they played tonight. He believes that it shows we have depth and great character no matter who puts on the jersey for them they stepped up and showed that we can play with high caliber teams like Lindenwood.
The Bulldogs are back in action this weekend as the face the #3 Arizona State Sun Devils. The puck drops at 7:00 pm on Saturday night and 2:00 pm on Sunday. Don't forget to wear your white because this weekend is a whiteout.
