TL/DR –
The No. 15 Michigan hockey team defeated Stonehill 12-4, with the team’s top line of sophomore forwards Gavin Brindley, Rutger McGroarty, and Frank Nazar III scoring six goals between them. Brindley scored the game’s first goal only 17 seconds in, and later achieved his first career hat trick with a total of four goals in the game. Despite Stonehill’s brief rally in the third period, Michigan’s strong offensive performance ensured the win, demonstrating the chemistry and skill of its top line.
Michigan Wolverines, the No. 15 hockey team, unleashed their offensive prowess against Stonehill only 17 seconds into the game, scoring the first goal. The Wolverines (9-7-3 overall) demolished Stonehill (0-21), with a final score of 12-4. The Wolverines’ top line consisting of the sophomore forwards Gavin Brindley, Rutger McGroarty, and Frank Nazar III, following their gold medal win at the World Junior Championship, led the score with six goals.
After winning the opening draw, Nazar set up Brindley for the first goal of the game, only 17 seconds in. “Setting the tone was big, especially when we’re starting,” Brindley said. Despite an early power play goal from Stonehill, the Wolverines took back control with three more goals in the first period, including another scored by Nazar, assisted by McGroarty and sophomore defenseman Seamus Casey.
Wolverines coach Brandon Naurato praised his top line. “If they do things the right way away from the puck…we’re gonna have a lot of success.” The second period saw the Wolverines double their lead in under 11 minutes due to their relentless offensive attack.
Being 8-1 up halfway through the game, the Wolverines eased off but didn’t stop scoring. Brindley netted his third goal, marking his first career hat trick, and freshman forward Nick Moldenhauer extended Michigan’s lead to 10-1. Despite a drop in dominance in the third period with Stonehill scoring twice early and another goal off a late turnover, the Wolverines maintained their lead.
Naurato commented, “I liked the way we finished, but I didn’t like them scoring three goals in the third period.” However, the Wolverines’ offense had given them a sufficient cushion. In the final three minutes, Brindley scored his fourth goal of the night, to the delight of the remaining fans.
Brindley expressed optimism about his line’s chemistry. “I think as games move on, and we keep playing together, we’ll keep getting more chemistry…” The Wolverines’ top line delivered offensively, with Brindley scoring as many goals as Stonehill did all night. Despite some sputters, the Wolverines never let the flame, lit 17 seconds into the game, die out.
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