The Saginaw Valley hockey team split its weekend set against the University of Michigan-Flint.
On Friday, the Cardinals defeated Michigan-Flint in a 4-3 overtime thriller.
The second game went the other way, as the Cards were shutout at home, 4-0.
Saturday’s contest started slowly. Both teams failed to find open chances, leading to a scoreless first period. UM-Flint netted its first goal at the 12:34 mark in the second period to take the 1-0 lead.
UM-Flint extended its lead in a big way in the final period, scoring three more times before holding on for the 4-0 victory.
“I have lost a lot of games due to injuries between the guys,” Chris Tibaudo said. “That is kind of our Achilles heel right now. I am hoping that they recover and get back on the ice soon, that way we can start meshing with the guys I originally planned on having on the ice together.”
Tibaudo added that the team is trying to get through the rough patch without losing too many games.
“It is what it is and part of the game,” he said. “You try to tread water until they come back and hopefully get at it once they are all healed and back to 100 percent.”
One positive that has stemmed from the team’s injuries concerns is that a multitude of players have been able to get into games.
The youth has played a part in the team’s struggles, but many of the young players have impressed the veterans with their ability to step up.
Tyler Myers spoke highly of the young guys while also mentioning that the team is getting closer to playing on all cylinders.
“We have struggled already this season with injuries, but it has given younger guys a chance to step up and fill those spots, which they have done very well,” he said. “We’re definitely getting closer as a team every week, and it shows in our team chemistry on the ice.”
Next up for SVSU is a home-and-home with Aquinas College.
Friday’s game will be on the road before the Cardinals return to the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena to play host.
Tibaudo said that he hopes the team can return to its winning ways.
“I’d like to stop losing at home in front of our Cardinal faithful because they are the ones that help us,” he said. “They are our sixth man.”
