Tech takes both at LSSU; college weekend round-up
By @MichaelCaples –
Michigan Tech traveled to the Soo this weekend, and the trip didn’t bother the Huskies.
In a pair of games with in-state rival Lake Superior State, MTU posted wins of 4-2 and 2-1 on Friday and Saturday, respectively, for two big wins in WCHA conference play.
“I’m proud of our team,” Tech coach Joe Shawhan said after Saturday’s sweep-clinching victory. “Lake Superior State is a good hockey team and they played really well. They may have deserved a better fate tonight but goaltending is a part of this game and ours was outstanding tonight. I feel fortunate we were able to come out with a sweep.”
With the two victories, Tech improves to 5-6 on the season, and 3-5 in conference play.
On Friday, Trenton Bliss scored twice, while Logan Ganie and Brian Halonen also found the back of the net in the victory. Matt Jurusik was between the pipes to make 23 saves.
On Saturday, Bliss scored the game-winner on the power play at the 10:04 mark of the second period, breaking a 1-1 tie that came from goals by Halonen and LSSU’s Pete Veillette. Jurusik picked up his second win in as many nights, stopping 34 shots.
MSU takes both
Michigan State recorded its first weekend sweep of rival Michigan since 2009 in a Thursday/Saturday set. See MiHockey’s coverage here.
Splits for everyone
Western Michigan hosted No. 19 Omaha for a pair of games at Lawson Arena, and the Broncos won the Friday night opener 3-2 before falling 6-3 in the wrap-up contest.
Paul Washe scored twice in the Friday win; Ethen Frank had two in the Saturday loss.
Ferris State welcomed Bemidji State to Big Rapids, and like the Broncos, they picked up a Friday win before faltering the next night.
Coale Norris scored the game-winner for the Bulldogs Friday night at the 14:10 mark of the third period. The next night, however, it was all Bemidji State, as they won 4-1.
Northern Michigan followed suit, as they beat Alaska Fairbanks 2-1 on Friday before falling 3-2 on Saturday.
Josh Nardi scored in the first and then he scored in the second on Friday, giving the Wildcats enough of a cushion to hold on for a 2-1 win Friday. On Saturday, NMU clawed back from a 2-0 deficit before Fairbanks’ Justin Young scored the decisive goal on a power play in the middle of the third period.