GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After falling in the National Championship game last season, Davenports D3 hockey team is preparing to make another run in the National Tournament. The Panthers kick-off their season this weekend with two games against Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisc. Here is a closer look at the defense and goalies on the 2012-13 squad.

The Panthers will be returning three defensemen from last year's National runner up team. Garrett Garber, Tommy Barabe, and Cody Mathieu will all have increased roles this season.

Last year Garrett Garber recorded 3 goals and 18 assists while appearing in all but one game for the panthers. Expectations will be even higher for Garber this season as he was named team captain. “Garbs is a solid player that will be logging a lot of minutes for us. He plays smart and leads by example.” said head coach Chris Green.

Green is also thrilled about the play of Mathieu and Barabe, both defensemen from Quebec. “Tommy and Cody have both worked extremely hard off the ice this off-season.  They are both in great physical condition and are playing with confidence.” Barabe and Mathieu will start the season paired together on defensive.  

Adding depth to the Panthers on defensive are first year players Jordan Crawford, Jake Hambidge, and Willis Gelow. “These guys are working hard and have done a great job adapting to our style of play. I am very pleased with the effort I have seen out of them” commented Coach Green.

Davenport will have two players with a lot of experience playing behind the defense. In net will be John Cruse (4^th year) and Tim Davis (5^th year).  “Cruse is the backbone of our team, he is hardcore, nobody out works him” commented green. Cruse will look to build on a 21-8 season last year in which he posted a 2.42 GAA.

Davenport opens up the season against Marquette on Friday and Saturday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fridays game will be played at 7:00 PM and Saturdays will be played at 1:00 PM.

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