Club hockey defeats Michigan-Dearborn on the seniors’ last night at the Ice Arena

Kent State player Stu Smith scores on Michigan-Dearborn senior goalie Nick Hill during their game Saturday. KATIE ROUPE | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: Ron Soltys

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Kent State’s ice hockey seniors celebrated an emotional win Saturday on senior night.

“I wasn’t really looking forward to (senior night),” senior Greg Goldkind said. “I’ve been playing hockey my whole life, so it’s pretty tough, but I’m glad we got to win. Hopefully, we can finish strong this season.”

The first period started with some intense checking and defensive moves from Kent State. Goalie Ryan Gregory made many spectacular saves.

The puck continued back and forth across the ice until Rob MacInnes, assisted by Jon Canniff and Tim Okicki, made the Flashes’ first goal.

One minute into the second period, Kent State pulled even further ahead with a goal by Stu Smith, assisted by senior Wolff Volet.

“I’ve enjoyed every single moment here,” Volet said. “I’m still sad it’s over, but I mean, I can’t complain. It’s been a good time.”

Michigan-Dearborn and Kent State battled in the center of the ice for the puck. Dearborn’s Matt Chromy received a two-minute penalty for holding and a ten-minute penalty for game misconduct.

However, with two men down, Dearborn’s Kahlin Dawson scored the Wolves’ first goal.

The period ended with both teams at full force and a score of Kent State-2 Dearborn-1.

Kent State’s Chris Hourigan, assisted by Eddie Martin, made an amazing power play in the start of the third period.

“You got to take advantage of the power play against Kent,” Dearborn coach Bryan Earl said. “They’re too good of a team for us to be playing from behind and not take advantage of them.”

Dearborn tried desperately to score, shooting over and over again late in the third period. Earl finally decided it was time to pull goalie Matthew Janiga and add another forward with less than two minutes left.

Gregory made save after save as Dearborn offense attacked the goal, when all of a sudden, a once in a life-time opportunity came. Gregory, trying to get the puck to the other side of the arena, hit it with such force that he made his first goal as a goalie and won the game for Kent State with a score of 4-1.

“It’s every goalies dream to score a goal,” Gregory said. “I mean it’s awesome.”

Kent State coach Jarret Whidden, while holding his baby son, reflected on his seniors.

“It’s hard for the younger kids to think that far ahead,” he said. “They got years left and they don’t understand when it’s over, it’s over. It happens that quick.”

Senior Kurt Voss-Hoyness watched from the bench this year because of injuries, but he still feels the emotional pull from the senior night.

“It’s bittersweet,” Voss-Hoyness said. “It’s good to be part of the team. I’m glad we are winning.”

Contact Student Recreation and Wellness reporter Pamela Crimbchin at [email protected].