The Michigan Tech hockey team played against our rivals – Northern Michigan University (NMU) – for the last time of the regular season this past weekend. The first game took place here at MTU on Jan. 24; Tech beat NMU 3-2. The second game was away at NMU where Tech shutout the Wildcats 4-0.
In the first period on Jan. 24, Tech came out of the gates swinging. The energy in the stadium was high and it showed in the attitude of the players. The Huskies had an aggressive offensive presence, which showed in the period’s shots on goal: MTU 17-4. The team’s efforts resulted in the first goal of the game by alternate captain Issac Gordon with an assist from Max Koskipirtti.
The second and third periods saw a lot more aggression from both teams. Many players ended up in the penalty box, but both teams continued to put the puck to the net and resulted in a tied game, 2-2, in the third period. Elias Jansson was able to make the game winning shot on a rebound during a Huskies powerplay.
Moving to Marquette for the second game is always going to be more difficult for the team, but the Huskies did not relent. The first two periods gave Tech a 3-0 lead against NMU, and when NMU pulled their goalie early into the last period, Elias Jansson scored a goal on the empty net, ensuring MTU’s weekend sweep against our rivals. The game ended with MTU winning 4-0.
After this weekend Tech will have faced its greatest rival six times, more than any other opponent this season. Half of those games were decided by one goal. When head coach Joe Shawhan was asked if he was happy to be done playing the rival games, he stated, “No, cause they make us better.” He elaborated further; “We’re trying to win playoff championships… I’m after a team that’s growing to give ourselves a chance, with confidence, that we aren’t in the playoffs, hoping that we get some luck.” Coach Shawhan says, “I mean, making a team play well to beat us and not beating ourselves.”
Tech’s next games are against Bemidji State at the Mac for Winter Carnival weekend.
