The Oakland Golden Grizzlies kicked off their winter semester with a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Michigan State Spartans, falling 5-4 in a thrilling, back-and-forth matchup. Despite a strong showing throughout the game, Oakland ultimately could not hold on to their lead, with Michigan State capitalizing in the overtime period. Oakland started the game on a high note, taking an early advantage when Grant Dickinson found the back of the net midway through the first period.
However, Michigan State responded quickly, tying the game just minutes later, and the score remained even at 1-1 by the end of the first period. The Golden Grizzlies came out strong in the second period, reclaiming the lead with a goal from their leading scorer, Brandon Danou. But once again, Michigan State quickly responded, with their top scorer Joe Fracassi scoring to level the game at 2-2. As the period wound down, the Spartans found themselves with the upper hand, taking a 3-2 lead going into the third.
Oakland was far from finished, however, and they came out firing in the third period. Just one minute into the final frame, Nicolas Elizarov scored his third goal of the season to tie the game at 3-3. Barely a minute later, Alexander Sharpe found the back of the net to give the Golden Grizzlies a 4-3 lead, igniting the Oakland bench and putting them in a position to close out the game. The Golden Grizzlies fought to maintain their lead, but with just under five minutes remaining in regulation.
Michigan State’s defenseman Nolan Wiebanga capitalized on a rebound off of Oakland goalie Tate Potteiger’s pad to tie the game at 4-4. The Spartans, now full of momentum, carried that energy into overtime and, just six seconds into the extra frame, sealed the victory with a quick strike. The win provides Michigan State with a much-needed boost, improving their record to 11-5-1-1 on the season. On the other hand, despite the tough loss, Oakland earned a point for their efforts, keeping them in contention for the ACHA playoffs as the season continues.
