On Saturday Oct. 26, the Eastern Michigan University club hockey team took on Oakland University and won by a score of 5-4.
Senior Kyle Astalos opened the scoring for EMU at 18:51 of the first period. Junior Bryan Kozlowski scored next at 5:01 followed by Senior Jacob Harbowy at 4:24, both also in the first period.
Both Astalos and Kozlowski had a two-goal night leading the team to a victory over the Grizzlies. This is the first time the Eagles have defeated the Golden Grizzlies on home ice in more than six seasons.
With his two goals on Saturday Junior Bryan Kozlowski now has 18 points on the season.
“I thought we worked hard as a group, concentrated on our system and made good progress this week in practice,” Kozlowski said. “My linemates [seniors Bob Gasser and Kyle Astalos] made nice plays for me as well.”
Kozlowski was praised by the coaching staff for his adaptation to the Eagles defense first system.
“Koz has made adjustments to his game for the betterment of our team,” EMU coach Kevin Gee said. “He is competing hard all over the ice and is producing more 5 on 5 because of it— I’m very pleased with him so far.”
Sophomore defenseman Tony Gasser has been voted as the most improved player since last season with 33 percent of the vote in an Eagles online poll.
“I thought Tony Gasser was exceptional – he’s been proving that he is an every day player for us and is getting increased ice time and some time on special teams because of it,” Gee said.
In a disappointing loss on Sunday, Eagles lost to the Lobos of John Carroll University. The 4-0 loss came on home ice at the Taylor Sportsplex. The coaching staff contributes the loss to a weary team, lackluster play and failure to generate quality scoring chances.
EMU has played thirteen games this season. The Eagles have fared better away from home with five of their six victories being on hostile ice.
Looking Ahead:
The next game will be on Friday Nov. 1. The game is slated to begin at 7 p.m.
EMU will take on Liberty University at the LaHaye Ice Center in Virginia. This is the first time the Eagles will take on the highly ranked Flames away from home.
