DETROIT, Mich. -- The Providence College men's hockey team was defeated, 6-0, by No. 1 ranked Michigan Friday afternoon in the first semi-final game of the 43rd Annual Great Lakes Invitational played at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich. With the loss, the Friars fell to 6-7-2, while the Wolverines improved to 17-2-0. Michigan goalie Billy Sauer made a career-high 50 saves to lead his squad to its third consecutive win,
The Wolverines took the lead just 1:02 into the first period as Louie Caporusso fired a shot from the bottom of the right faceoff circle that deflected off a skate in front and past PC senior goalie Tyler Sims (Fort Wayne, Ind.). The Friars controlled the first period as they created numerous scoring opportunities and outshot Michigan, 16-3. However, the Wolverines struck again with 30 seconds left in the period as Aaron Palushaj was able to tuck the puck past Sims from in close.
The Friars continued their strong play in the second period, but could score. The Wolverines took control of the game halfway though the second period scoring twice in a span of 2:16 to make the score, 4-0. Anthony Ciraulo scored a short-handed tally at 11:03, while Kevin Porter found the net on the power-play tally at 13:19. Ben Winnett added another goal at 17:31 to give Michigan a five-goal cushion after two periods.
The Friars finished the game with a 50-21 as Sauer stopped all 50 shots to earn his second shutout of the season.
The Friars will play in the third-place of the Great Lakes Invitational on Saturday, December 29 beginning at 4:06 p.m. at the Joe Louis Arena.