Brian Evans scored both Oakland University goals, and the Golden Grizzlies held off a late push to beat Sacred Heart University 2-1 on Saturday at USA Rink in Lake Placid. The win came in Oakland’s first game of the season. Patrick Ogara made 38 saves on 39 shots.
Evans opened the scoring at even strength with 9:23 left in the first period, finishing a play set up by Alex Wilkey and Ben Dumas. He doubled the lead with 12:36 remaining in the second, again at even strength, with Reiss Williams picking up the assist on what stood as the game-winning goal. Williams also finished with 6 penalty minutes.
Sacred Heart broke through late. Ryan Conroy scored an unassisted power-play goal with 5:16 left in the third period to cut the deficit to 2-1, but the Pioneers could not find the equalizer. Conroy entered the game with two goals and three points through three games. Christian Gonsalves stopped 34 of 36 shots in the loss.
Oakland opens its season at 1-0-0. Sacred Heart, which came in at 2-0-1, takes its first loss and falls to 2-1-1.
Sacred Heart will try to get back in the win column next time out.
