Friday, March 10, 2006

Grizzlies get past Indiana, Colorado

Oakland University defeated Indiana in the first game of the ACHA DII National Tournament Wednesday in a 10-9 overtime shootout and then overcame Colorado the following game, 4-3.

Oakland was down twice by three goals, 6-3 and 7-4, in the second period and fought back to an 8-8 tie after two periods of play.

"I was estatic to see our guys fight back like that," OU head coach Sean Hogan said. "It showed a lot of heart, the true makings of a championship team."

OU capped the comeback with an overtime game winning goal by veteran defenseman Dale Swims.

"Dale has been a great asset to this program and has been a producer since his arrival," commented Oakland assistant coach J.R. Dunn.

OU regrouped for the second game and again found themselves down 2-0 to Colorado early in the first.

"We knew we had the ability to fight back and the scoring power to do it," Oakland assistant coach Gordie Schaeffler said. "We just needed to tighten it up a bit."

The Grizzlies headed into the third period with a 4-2 lead and looked to close out the Buffloes. Colorado had a different plan, however, as they would bring the score to within one with under 10 minutes remaining in the game. OU would have to exstinguish numerous Colorado rushes late in the game to garner the 4-3 win.

Oakland will play rival Stoneybrook for a birth in the national semifinal tommorrow at 3:30. You can listen in at www.achachampionships.com.

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