Oakland University Hockey

Rochester, MI Oakland University found themselves down early in both games this weekend but found a way to battle back on consecutive nights. Friday Oakland opened up the 2008 campaign on the road against a much improved University of Michigan-Dearborn team, but quickly dug themselves a 6-0 hole. The Grizzlies fought back to bring the game within reach on a few seperate occasions but were finally downed by a final of 8-5. Oakland received two goals from Thomas Mullen, and single tallies from Mike Murray, Kyle McMahon and Cody Austin. Goaltender Collin Chase was replaced by Andrew Stewart midway through the second after allowing four goals.

Saturday night the Grizzlies opened up the home season by hosting the visiting Wolves. Oakland would find themselves down early, this time by a score of 4-0. The Grizzlies again found a way to battle all the way back to knot the score at five apiece and force overtime. The overtime remained scoreless and the Grizzlies would eventually fall in the shootout round 3 goals to 2. Oakland garnered goals from Thomas Mullen, Kevin Kranker, Brett Haugh, Jordan McDonald, and Rick Delecke.

Alex Pikunas made his first collegiate apperance in net and turned aside 33 Wolves shots.

"We can not afford to keep having the slow starts. We ran into the same problem last season, the corrections need to be made and they need to be made soon," stated Head Coach Sean Hogan.

News and Notes: Oakland's power play was 4 for 10 on the weekend...Thomas Mullen's three goal weekend marked his first three collegiate points...Despite losing Friday and earing one point Saturday the Grizzlies outshot the Wolves on both nights.

Next up: Oakland will travel to the reigning and undefeated ACHA National Champions University of Illinois on Friday October 3 and Saturday the 4th. The Fighting Illini have been undefeated since the 2006-2007 ACHA Division I National Semi Finals when the Grizzlies downed the Illini 3-2. It is sure to be a heated contest so be sure to check out the action on WXOU RADIO!