© FGCU Hockey Team 2009.
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The FGCU Hockey Team is a proud member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
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Grand Valley State Lakers Disappoint Eagles
FGCU drops two games to visiting Lakers!
October 12, 2009 by Joe Shenstone
Estero, FL - This weekend saw the arrival of a strong D3 team from Grand Valley State University, Michigan.  The hometown Eagles had been undefeated to this point in their schedule, but GVSU was determined to change that.  On Friday night the Eagles jumped ahead to a late first period lead of 2-1 on goals by Cris Kelo and Steven O’Neill.  However, GVSU came roaring back with 2 goals in the last 3 minutes to take the lead 3-2.  Chad Nykiel was able to tie the game at 3 within the first five minutes of the second period but the next 15 minutes belonged to GVSU who scored 3 unanswered goals and outshot the Eagles 20-6 on the period. The third period saw the Eagles make a valiant comeback effort to no avail.  Nathan Altman was able to beat Pete Herman in the GVSU net 13 seconds into the third, but seconds later GVSU replied with its seventh goal, making the final score 7-4 for the visitors. Play in the third turned chippy with several penalties being issued to both sides and the frustration on the faces of the Eagles palpable.
The D3 Eagles celebrate an early goal on Friday night on home ice.
Freshman Charles Fradella works the puck down low against the visiting Lakers.
Cape Coral, Florida native Matt Casey puts pressure on the Lakers in the neutral zone.
Sophomore and Assistant Captain Mike Fowler was disappointed in the weekend results.
On Saturday night the Eagles were looking for revenge, and the competition was fierce.  Both teams stuck to hockey, with a total of only five 2 minute penalties being called throughout the game.  After the first period ended in a 1-0 lead for GVSU, Eric Cosma came back to tie the score midway through the second frame.  Three minutes later Grand Valley again assumed the lead.  The score remained unchanged with exciting end-to-end action until Mike Fowler found the back of the net on a breakaway for the Eagles midway through the third period.  Intense action ensued for the remainder of the period with regulation time ending in a 2-2 tie.  Two minutes into overtime, GVSU ended the game with a hard shot that found an open corner.  This game was an exhibition of D3 hockey at its best- fast skating, hard hits, and some terrific passing/ shooting.  Kudos to both teams.  It is very conceivable that they may meet again at the national championship in March, 2010.

Next weekend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (D2) will be the Eagles opponents at Germain Arena on Saturday night at 8:30, and Loyola College will be visiting on Sunday evening at 7:00.