News

The Oakland University Golden Grizzlies are excited to open their 2018-2019 season this week, with a full roster of 27 players including 19 returners.

"I feel good about our roster," said new Head Coach Matt Stirling, who moved up from his previous season's position of Assistant Coach. "We have had some really good practices so far and we're looking forward to seeing some of our new additions in game situations."

Much like this year's team, the Grizzlies coaching staff is a mixture of familiar and new faces.  By Stirling's side will be OU veterans Bob Lauro as Assistant Coach, Mike Ryan as General Manager, and Kyle Gagnon as Goaltender Coach. They are joined by Assistant Coach David Gibson, who completed his ACHA DII hockey career at Central Michigan University.

"Joining the OU Program has been a great experience so far," said Gibson. "It's obvious why there has been so much success here in the past. Everyone comes ready to work, night in and night out, and the competitive atmosphere here is great."

Gibson believes the players have the skill and work ethic needed to exceed the staff's high expectations: "I'm happy to be a part of it and excited to see what the season has in store for us."

Assistant Coach Lauro shares Gibson's optimism for the upcoming season.  He adds that "as a team, we are going to play a hard, fast, aggressive style that will be fun to watch. Our guys will bring a lot of energy every night and will be very difficult to play against."

Oakland opens the season on Friday, September 21st at home against Saginaw Valley State University. Puck drop is at 7:45pm at Detroit Skating Club in West Bloomfield, Michigan.  The Grizzlies will round out the weekend at SVSU on Saturday the 22nd at 8:00pm.