ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team finished their weekend series in Michigan dropping the contest 7-0.

Mercyhurst opened the game by winning the initial face off and maintained a strong defensive presence throughout the first frame. Freshman Charles-Edward Gravel, making his first career appearance, was active in goal, making several key saves early on despite Michigan's offensive pressure. The Lakers' players effectively blocked multiple shots, including efforts by Connor Pelc, Trent Sambrook, and Ryan Coughlin, helping to keep the score close.

Michigan managed to capitalize on a power-play opportunity, scoring the only goal of the period in the 13th minute. The Lakers responded with a power-play opportunity of their own but could not convert to equalize. As the period concluded, Gravel continued to make crucial saves, keeping the game within reach. The first period ended with the Green and Blue trailing Michigan 1-0.

The second period commenced with the Lakers successfully killing off a penalty and holding Michigan at bay in the early moments. However, the Wolverines capitalized on a power play opportunity, extending their lead. Despite a robust defensive effort, including blocked shots by Spencer Smith and Jaryd Sych, Michigan managed to break through once more later in the period with an even-strength goal. 

The Lakers responded by creating opportunities, including shots from Sean James and Dominik Bartecko, but were unable to convert against the Michigan defense. The period concluded with Mercyhurst on a power play, yet the score remained unchanged, with Michigan leading 3-0 heading into the third period.

Mercyhurst began the third period with strong momentum, winning the opening face offs and initiating offensive pressure with shots from Francesco Iasenza and Pelc. Despite gaining a power-play opportunity early in the frame, the Lakers were unable to capitalize, with several shots being missed or blocked.

Midway through the period, Michigan leveraged their power-play advantage, scoring two consecutive goals to extend their lead. Mercyhurst's defense, including blocked shots from Sych and Riley Fitzgerald, worked to limit further damage, but Michigan was able to find the net again in even-strength situations.

As the period drew to a close, Michigan added two more goals. The game ended with a score of 7-0 in favor of Michigan.

Barrett Brooks excelled in face offs, winning two out of three for a face off percentage of 66. Noah Sedore also demonstrated strong performance in the face off circle, winning 66 percent by securing eight of 12 face offs. Gravel made 44 saves.

The Lakers will host Union Oct. 10 in their home opener at the MIC.