The M-1 Griffins Unified hockey team took home another league victory, defeating Rochester United 5-2 on Friday at John Lindell Ice Arena. The team completed an impressive comeback, scoring four goals within the span of two minutes and sixteen seconds. The Griffins remain undefeated in the OAA Red Division, with a record of 4-0-0 in the league.
In the first period, the Griffins maintained a majority of the possession, spending much of their time in the offensive third. Neither team was able to break through in the scoring, leaving the two tied 0-0 going into the second period.
Rochester opened up the scoring with 10:35 left in the second, putting them up 0-1 over M-1. The Griffins responded with a goal by sophomore Ethan Zepke, assisted by junior Jack Thornton and freshman Keison Grenier merely two minutes later, tying the game 1-1. The score remained for the rest of the period, setting up for a strong battle in the third.
Rochester came out quick in the third period to regain the lead, going up 1-2 with 16:00 left in the period. The Griffins remained persistent and were rewarded when junior captain Charlie Price, assisted by junior Cash Stillwell, generated the equalizing goal with only 2:25 left in the game. This provided the necessary momentum for M-1 to rally back, scoring three more goals to secure another win.
Junior Charlie Francis was in net for M-1, staying on the ice for the entire 51:00. He faced fourteen shots, saving twelve to help bring his team to victory.
As of December 18th, M-1 was ranked eighth in the Division I standings. The team now stands at 8-1-0 totaling sixteen points in nine games played. The Griffins take on Chippewa Valley United next on Saturday, December 30th at John Lindell Ice Arena.
