Oakland hockey failed to generate similar success to last year’s team. (Photo by Damien Dennis)
After a 5-4 overtime loss to No. 6 Oklahoma, the Oakland University Division I men’s hockey team were eliminated from the ACHA National Tournament this weekend in Chicago.
Oakland gained an early lead with a goal off Patrick Smiatacz after a pass from Frank Matyok. The Sooners responded with a goal of their own, ending the first period of play tied 1-1.
Smiatacz acted again in the second period, scoring his second goal of the night, which was then followed by a goal by David Merkle. Despite Oklahoma scoring a goal, Matyok netted one of his own to give the Golden Grizzlies what would be their final score of the game.
With a 4-2 lead at the end of the second period, Oakland had outshot Oklahoma 28-18.
This dominance failed for the Grizzlies, however, as the Sooners were able to tie the game at 4-4 by the end of regulation. Despite a strong performance, Oakland failed to hold on as they loss to Oklahoma in the overtime period.
Oakland entered the game with a record of 22-17-2 for the year and seeded at 11. The team out of Rochester, Michigan has had a down year following a Cinderella story after the 2011-12 season.
Last year, the Golden Grizzlies won their annual rivalry series with Davenport for the first time in four years and won their coveted “Good Luck Duck” trophy. The Oakland squad captured the GLCHL regular season crown and continued into the ACHA National Tournament seeded at 13. After an incredible run, which included knocking off then No. 1 Penn State and sending them out of the league with a loss, the Grizzlies were handed defeat in tournament finals at the hands of No. 3 Delaware.
That success failed to carry over into this season. Despite a very strong first quarter to the season, the Grizzlies failed to generate wins when they counted.
Now that the season is over, Oakland will move into the offseason and begin early preparations for next fall.
