Hockey's Comeback Bid Falls Short at UM-Dearborn

(Dearborn, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar hockey team spotted the UM-Dearborn Wolverines a lead, but were unable to come back to tie the game after a furious third period rally Saturday afternoon in Dearborn.

The Wolverines would get the better of Cougar goalie Nick Schittenhelm in the first period, as the hosts scored three goals in the first ten minutes, including a pair of goals just eight seconds apart, to take an early 3-0 lead.  A fourth goal was added by the Wolverines on the power play in the first period, and UM-D would take a 4-0 advantage into the first intermission.

The Cleary defense would settle in, as did Schittenhelm, and they would shut out the Wolverines the rest of the game.  After a scoreless second period for both teams, Cleary's rally began just 34 seconds into the final twenty minutes, when Jonny Gardiner got the Cougars on the board, with assists from Ben Gledhow and Bennett Sheppard.  The Cougars would add their second goal just past the ten minute mark, when Devon Campbell scored, with assists from Erik Wafer and Brendyn Galloner, making the score 4-2 UM-D.  Just one minute later, Cam Thomas cut the Wolverine lead to one when he scored, with assists from Wes Smith and Justin Reddy.  With the Cougars desperate for a goal, they would pull the goalie for an extra skater, but were then called for a pair of late penalties, and would have to hope for a miracle shorthanded goal that would not come, as Dearborn would win 4-3.

Nick Schittenhelm would suffer the loss in goal, making 31 saves on 35 shots faced.  

Cleary falls to 11-18, 7-12 in the WHAC.  The Cougars will be back at 140 Ice Den next Friday, January 26, when they host Eastern Michigan University.  The Cougars will recognize this year's senior class before the game, and the puck will drop at 7:30 PM.

*Picture Courtesy of BadCatMedia*