The Saginaw Valley State University hockey team took a major step this past weekend in the University of Michigan Dearborn Great Lakes Showcase tournament. The team advanced to the Division 1 tournament, marking plenty of firsts for the team and program.
The weekend-long tournament kicked off with a 5-2 victory on Friday against Western Michigan University. The win marked the school’s first ever victory against a Division 1 opponent.
“We’ve said that we have been so close all year, and we have finally taken that step from a good team to a confident team,” team captain Scott Walter said. “This game showed we can play with anyone in the country, regardless the league.”
The first two periods were evenly matched between the two teams, each scoring a goal a period to enter the third period tied at two.
SVSU came out firing and quickly took control of the game. One more goal proved to be enough, and the Cardinals added a pair to take the win.
The win took the team to the semi-final match against Division 1 Eastern Michigan University.
The team came out strong and fast, keeping control of the entire game. The domination continued throughout leading to the 6-3 Cardinals victory.
“This weekend has been a huge step for us,” Walter said. “It’s a huge step in the right direction for the team and program.”
It has been the program’s first back-to-back victories of Division 1 opponents.
Next on schedule for the SVSU men’s hockey club is a home game against the University of Michigan at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 6, where the team hopes to maintain its momentum getting closer to the playoffs.
