Cougars’ Offensive Surge Powers Game 1 Win, But Overtime Loss Stings in Game 2 vs Aquinas

Cougars’ Offensive Surge Powers Game 1 Win, But Overtime Loss Stings in Game 2 vs Aquinas
January 25, 2025

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougars ACHA Hockey team took on the Aquinas College Saints this weekend in a WHAC Conference matchup. The Cougars would blow out Aquinas in game 1, however, they suffered an overtime loss in game 2. 

In Game 1 vs Aquinas:

The Cougars offense would explode Friday night with an 8-2 win over the Saints. Brayden Goddard kicked things off for the Cougars with his first Cleary goal in the first period. About three minutes later the Cougars would add two more goals from Collin Kerchoff and Zach Eakes. Those goals would both come within 17 seconds of each other giving the Cougars a 3-0 lead after one period of play. Aquinas looked to fight back into the game in the second period as the Cougars played just one bad minute of hockey. Aquinas would score two goals within 16 seconds of each other making it a 3-2 game. Dylan Tammadge would take charge of the Cougars as he would go on to score the next two goals for the Cougars. With just over two minutes left in the period, Brayden Goddard would score his second goal of the game and increase the lead for the Cougars to 6-2. The Cougars would add the last two goals in the third period from JC Garbacik and Wes Smith. 

Nick Meyering (10-5) got the start in goal and picked up the win for the Cougars making 38 saves on 40 shots. Wes Smith, Bennett Sheppard, Levi Herauf, and Collin Kerchoff would all finish with two assists each as well. 

In Game 2 at Aquinas:

Saturday night's game in Grand Rapids turned out to be a much different story for both teams. The Cougars would kick things off with another early lead in the first period scoring the games first two goals. Zach Eakes would score the first goal for the Cougars just over five minutes into the game with an assist from Wes Smith and Zane Rydel. Bennett Sheppard scored the second goal with just over five minutes left in the period with assists from Braeden Bzovey and Brayden Goddard. Both teams would go silent in the second period which would set up the thrilling third period. Aquinas would score two goals to open the period and tie the game at 2-2. JC Garbacik would score with just over six minutes left in the game, however, Aquinas would score again and force the game to overtime. Aquinas would ultimately score in overtime and send the Cougars home with a 4-3 overtime loss. 

Nick Meyering (10-6) would get the loss in net for the Cougars making 45 saves on 49 shots. 

Cleary is now 18-12 overall and 13-7 in WHAC Conference play on the season. The Cougars will hit the road first next week when they take on the Lawrence Tech University Blue Devils on Friday, January 31. Saturday's game will be the home game for the Cougars at 140 Ice Den. Puck drop is set for 6:30 PM that night.