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Eastern Michigan jumps on the Wolverines early and often in the first period to get a 5-1 lead and maintain the lead for the rest of the hard hitting game to defeat the Wolverines 7-4.

Ann Arbor, Michigan- The Eastern Michigan Eagles defeated the visiting Michigan Wolverines DII ACHA Club Team at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube Friday Night by the score of 7-4.

The first period of the game set the mood and tone that was to underlie the rest of the game. The Eagles attacked the Wolverines early and scored two quick goals on the University of Michigan goalie who seemed to be having a rough night. The first goal of the game was scored by Scott Ball, one of Eastern Michigan's two new players from Michigan-Dearborn which was just a nice play on his part. The second goal of the game was scored by Ryan Thompson, who for the record scored a NATURAL HAT TRICK in the first period. His other two goals were equally as impressive in the first period. Ryan Gauthier scored the other goal of the period. The Eagles in the first period really looked very sharp offensively as it seemed as if a lot of the things that they were doing was really ticking. The Wolverines did a lot of hitting, but didn't really impress me with their game. Just for the record, the Wolverines are the defending National Runner-Ups in DII, so I was expecting this to be a very good team.

The second period of the game started to show me a bit of how the Wolverines became in the position that they did. They came out early and scored on the Eagles and really showed a lot of speed and fight whenever they scored a goal. However, the Eagles were very good and solid defensively really throughout. I would just like to give a shout-out to the group of University of Michigan fans who were standing below us on the Michigan side of the ice for the 1st and 3rd period of the ice for their original commentary and original comments. During the second period, this group of fans cheered when their own player was in the Penalty Box. As a University of Michigan fan myself, I figured i'd seen it all but I suppose not.

The Eagles scored one goal in the period and it was on a 5 on 3, and it was one of the most beautiful goals that any individual could witness. Eastern wins the puck passes it back to the blueline, one pass to the other defenseman, pass it back to the other defenseman across ice, pass it to the forward oncoming, have two players go towards the net, the puck goes through to the second who has a wide open net(McNamara) and pounds it home. Just perfect passing, and the Eagles scored their 6th goal. Justin Kozik scored two goals for the Wolverines in the period and just for the record, Kozik also earned a Hat Trick on the evening, so congrats!

The third period of the game was just defensive, physical hockey with the Wolverines having several opportunities to score but Jake Pruss stood up to the Wolverines and didn't allow them a single goal. The Wolverines showed me a lot of promise and a lot of talent. However, as we like to joke kindly about their football team, they have the talent but just need to use it properly. The Wolverines have the talent and speed to be outstanding in DII and I wish them the best in their run for a championship. Represent the state and the city well!

The Eagles looked solid on this evening as they were rarely out of position and looked like they were a lot more in sync offensively. I had a hunch that as the year continued to push on the Eagles would start to figure out each individual's tendencies and start to react to them. The Eagles really flew at the beginning of the game and took it to the Wolverines. Against the quality competition to come, I think the Eagles need to go for this method of attack again. The Eagles passing was very crisp this evening and I was impressed with the poise that the Eagles showed for a large majority of the game dealing with the physical nature that the game had turned into. Outstanding work, if the Eagles can continue to improve for the next few weeks, I think we could give Penn State a good run for their money and I think we should and would scare someone at Nationals.

On a lighter note, I thought I understood some of the rules of hockey. However, the more I seem to understand, the less I seem to. For example, today I learned that your team can be penalized for an opponent falling forward towards the net while the player is out of their reach. Yes, the individual on the University of Michigan was skating and from what I could tell couldn't stop and continued to move forward and yet a 2 minute penalty was called on the Eagles. Oh well, I love hockey for just that reason.

The Eagles played well tonight and beat a decent team! This game left a lot better feeling than that of the West Chester Game. Congratulations to Jake Pruss and the Eagles for a game well played.

I would also just like to mention that the crowd at the Ice Cube tonight was rather large for several reasons. First of all, there was a rather nice contingent of University of Michigan fans who made the long trip in town to the Cube. I would also just like to mention the Boy Scouts and Brownies who were at the game as well, chanting "Let's Go Green" to spite the few Michigan Students. Way to go! Also, even though we were on the other side of the arena, a huge shout-out to the EMU PEP BAND!!! It was wonderful to hear the Fight Song in person again after my two weeks abroad. It was a nice venue to be at on this evening.

Hopefully the Eagles can sweep this series in Chelsea tomorrow night!

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The offense seemed to click tonight. However, one fact that I did not mention through my article was that the first Michigan goalie seemed to have some problems stopping the puck which allowed for the Eagles to get a couple of cheap goals. However, the passing seemed very crisp to me on this evening, and it just felt like the Eagles had a system of offense that was actually working. If the Eagles can continue to refine this style of play, lookout. 

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The defense played overall a decent game. From my perspective there were very few times in which the defense was out of position and seemed to be in control defensively without Michigan being able to do too much, except for scramble and pray. However, one incident bugged me a little in which the University of Michigan player skated right by the Eastern defense and roofed it by Pruss. Oh well, when the offense is clicking, the defense can afford to be a little less crisp I suppose. However, the team played defensively well in my mind.

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The special teams impressed me tonight. The penalty kill did an outstanding job despite allowing the one goal in. The Power Play with their one set to get the 6th goal, set this grade in my mind. 

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Pruss played well and there is no other way to put it.

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I was impressed with the effort shown by the Eagles tonight and if they can continue this type of play, I might be able to smile and chuckle a lot more at the end of the home season. :)

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