2011-12 NEWS RELEASES

UOIT Athletics Media Release
Saturday, October 1, 2011

Thrilling win for UOIT over the University of Michigan Wolverines
 

Men’s Hockey: UOIT defeated the University of Michigan Wolverines 3-2
(Box Score attached)

ANN ARBOR, MI – The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Ridgebacks men’s hockey team defeated the University of Michigan Wolverines 3-2 on Saturday night at Yost Ice Arena.

“Tonight may have been the best game we have ever played in the five year history of the program,” said UOIT head coach Marlin Muylaert. “We had good goaltending, good special teams and we were great five-on-five. I thought we showed a lot of character and determination out on the ice tonight.”

The 3-2 victory is one of the biggest feats in UOIT men’s hockey history as Michigan has one of the most prominent hockey programs in the NCAA. The Wolverines enter the season ranked sixth in the national polls and are the 2011 NCAA frozen four finalists.

The Wolverines jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Greg Pateryn put home a power-play goal a little more than six minutes into the game. The goal was assisted by Chris Brown and Mac Bennett.

The Ridgebacks scored twice in the middle frame to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission. Seven minutes into the period, Brendan Wise (Stouffville, Ont.) scored a shorthanded goal to even the score to 1-1. Six minutes later, freshman James Woodcroft (Milton, Ont.) gave UOIT a one-goal advantage at the 13:43 mark.

The Ridgebacks extended their lead in the third period, as Jesse Stoughton (Bobcaygeon, Ont.) snuck in a power-play goal at 5:10 to give UOIT a lead to 3-1.

With 10 minutes remaining in the period, rookie Phil Di Giuseppe answered with Michigan's second goal of the night, bringing the Wolverines to within one.

UOIT’s Jason Guy (Whitby, Ont.) made 54 saves in the win, including 18 in the third period. Shawn Hunwick of Michigan turned aside 25-of-28 shots in the loss.

The UOIT special team unit was exceptional on the night as Michigan converted on only 1-of-10 power play opportunities. The Ridgebacks capitalized on one of five power play opportunities and added a shorthanded goal.

“Michigan came out flying to begin the game,” said Muylaert. “The crowd was buzzing for their home opener and they fed off the energy in the building. After their first goal, our team managed to settle things down and stick to our game plan.”

This is the Ridgebacks second win over an NCAA opponent as they defeated Ferris State one year prior.

The team will head to Ohio on Sunday to take on the Bowling Green Falcons. Game time is at 4:05 p.m.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 3-2-0
Conference Record: 0-0-0

Next Action:
Sunday, October 2 @ Bowling Green (4:05 p.m.)

Next Home Action:
Saturday, October 8 vs. York (7:30 p.m.) – Campus Ice Centre  *Home Opener
  

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.259.2825 (C)
905.721.3117 (F)
 
With files from Michigan Athletics
Stock photo courtesy of Michigan Athletics