In a game that put two #1 seeds against each other, the Panthers knew the Miami of Ohio RedHawks would give them a great game.  The Panthers battled with the Redhawks for 60 minutes.  The game was a old style brand of hockey with a lot of stickwork and a lot of checks being finished.  The Panthers had a strong performance from Seniors Jason Aslin and Captain Marc Lira.  With the score tied 3-3 deep into the third period, Marc Lira showed why he was named Captain with a goalie that would make any hard working person proud.  Marc did not score on the original shot, he did not score on the second shot, Marc scored from his knees on the 3rd rebound shot.  This goal put the Panthers up 4-3, and Eric Rupert brought the win home.  "Rupe" played his best game of the year and kept the Panthers in it until Lira could bang home the last goal.

After a tough Friday game, the two teams were back at again on Saturday afternoon.  The Panthers started the game off strong with an early tip in goal from Adam Thomas, on a great shot from the point by Jon Stolarz.  The Redhawks showed the Panthers why they are rated #1 in the southeast division and battled DU all game long.  Thomas broke away in the second period and scored a short handed goal to tie the game 2-2.  Going into the third period, the Panthers knew they would have to play 20 great minutes to beat Miami.  They played 20 good minutes.  The redhawks scored first and carried the lead until 5 minutes left in the game.  Senior Jason Aslin then crashed the net, and Adam Thomas fed him a great pass and he slammed it home.  Chris Jozwiak played another strong game for DU, and kept the game a 3-3 tie.  The Panthers earned 3 points in the GMHL this weekend, and they look to continue their success when Indiana comes to town for home games on Friday and Saturday.  The Panthers also play a special Sunday contest against Oakland University.  Indiana brings a high octane offense to Grand Rapids, and will look to make thier mark in the GMHL.