Oakland University blanked the UM-Flint Hockey Club on Saturday, Nov. 9 by a margin of 5-0. The victory gave OU a sweep of the series. 

The Grizzlies skunked the Wolverines in a penalty ridden affair that saw a partial bench clearing brawl in the third period, in which five players were ejected from both teams as well as two coaches. The loss dropped UM-Flint’s record to 1-7-2.

“In the first ten minutes our team had pretty good jump,” said UM-Flint Assistant Coach Nicholas Karstens. “However, midway through the first period we blew a coverage in front of the net which led to an Oakland goal. After which, we had a bit of a lapse in the second and they were able to make it 2-0.

“The team went into the locker room during the first intermission and rallied. The second period mirrored the first. The squad played together but Oakland was able to make it 3-0 midway through the period.”

During the third period an altercation in front of the UM-Flint goal led to words, led to shoving then punching. Players from both teams left the bench. When the ice chips settled, an already short-staffed Wolverine side was down five players, including the starting goalie, Steve Mcguire.

“Things got a little out of hand,” said Mcguire. “The bottom line is we had to protect each other. We got out played in front often but overall we played with a lot of heart.”

UM-Flint will take to the rod on the weekend of Nov. 15 and 16 to battle the sixth-ranked team of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The Wolverines will not return to home ice until Saturday, Dec. 14 to face the Central Michigan University Chippewas. 

The CMU game will be held at Crystal Fieldhouse, located at 5371 Daly Farms Drive in Burton. Ticket prices are $5 for general admission. For fans 6 to 12 years of age, seniors 62 years and up, and students and faculty (with their MCard), the price is $3. Admission is free for children five and under. 

“With the pending suspensions it will make it difficult to play 120 minutes of competitive hockey with what is already a short roster,” said Karstens. “We are looking to add some skaters to bolster our numbers.”