Cougars Split Weekend Series with Toledo, Tammadge Nets Hat-Trick in Game 2

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougars ACHA Hockey team took on the University of Toledo Rockets this weekend. Game 1 would go in favor of the Rockets, however, the Cougars would bounce back with an offensive explosion in Game 2. 

In Game 1 at Toledo:

The Rockets got off to a hot start just six minutes into the game, scoring the game's opening goal. That score would hold at 1-0 heading into the second period. The Cougars looked for life in the second period as they would outshoot the Rockets 23-15 in the period. The Rocket's defense was tough to get by though as the Cougars were unable to respond. Toledo would add on three more goals in the period making it a 4-0 game with one period of play remaining. The Cougars would get a power play early in the third period and Collin Kerchoff would take advantage of it to put the Cougars on the board. After Toledo increased the lead to 5-1, Bennett Shepard would find the back of the net in hopes of a Cougar comeback. This would be the only remaining action on the night for the Cougars as they would fall 5-2 to the Rockets. 

Vincent Parent (5-5) started in goal for the Cougars making 30 saves on 35 shots. 

In Game 2 vs Toledo:

Saturday night's game would go much differently for both teams as the Cougar offense exploded and both teams found themselves in the penalty box. The Cougars opened up the game with three goals in the first period from Steven Miller, Zane Rydel, and Zach Eakes with the first two goals coming on power play opportunities. The Rockets would score one goal in the period making it a 3-1 game going into the second period. The second period would be all Cougars with the scoring as they would add on three more goals. Steven Miller would get his second goal of the game along with Dylan Tammadge scoring two goals, one on a power play and one shorthanded goal. Both teams would get sloppy with the penalties in this period as they would combine for 70 penalty minutes. In the third period, JC Garbacik would join the scoring for the Cougars to make it a 7-1 lead. Toledo would get two goals back in this period, however, Dylan Tammadge slammed the door on them as he scored his third goal of the night for a hat-trick. The Cougars would go on to win with a final of 8-3.

Nick Meyering (6-3) would start in goal for the Cougars making 24 saves on 27 shots. Dylan Tammadge recorded three goals for a hat-trick. Wes Smith would pick up four assists in this game as well. 

Cleary is now 12-8 on the season. The Cougars will take Thanksgiving weekend off and return to the ice on Friday, December 6, 2024, as they take on the Rochester Christian Warriors for a weekend series. Friday night's game will be played at home with a start time of 8:00 PM.