Late Goal Lifts Hockey Over Rochester

Late Goal Lifts Hockey Over Rochester
February 2, 2024

(Fraser, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar hockey team had a late start, and a later finish, but were able to come out on top, as they took down the Rochester Warriors in a WHAC battle Friday night at the Big Boy Ice Arena in Fraser.

Levi Herauf got the Cougars going with a goal just four minutes into play, with an assist from Devon Campbell, and Bennett Sheppard scored the team's second, with an assist from Peter Houston and Jonny Gardiner, to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead.  Rochester would cut into the lead five minutes later, but the Cougars responded when Brendyn Galloner scored, with assists from Wes Smith and Billy Simms, to regain the two goal advantage.  Cleary went into the first intermission leading 3-1.

The second period went to Rochester, as the Warriors scored a pair of goals while shutting out the Cougars, and the game would be tied going into the final period of play.  The game looked like it would be heading to overtime, as neither team was able to create that breakthrough chance, and both goalies stood tall on the chances that were created.  It would be Cleary that finally got the break they needed, with 3:09 to play in the game, Devon Campbell put a rebound past the Warrior goalie for the game-winner, with assists from Erik Wafer and Cam Thomas.  Cleary would hold on and allow no dangerous chances the rest of the way, as the Cougars went on to win 4-3.

Nick Schittenhelm picked up his third win of the season, making 20 saves on 23 shots faced.  

Cleary improves to 14-19, 8-13 in the WHAC.  They will return to home ice this evening as they take on the Warriors in game two of the weekend series.  The puck will drop at 7:30 PM at 140 Ice Den.

*Picture courtesy of BadCatMedia*