Michigan Tech improves to 5-1 after winning both games during Hall of Fame Weekend
Michigan Tech’s number 14-ranked hockey team swept Alaska during their Hall of Fame Weekend series, defeating the Nanooks 3-0 Friday and 4-2 Saturday at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton. This win improved their season standings to 5-1 overall with Saturday’s win, overcoming a third-period deficit with two goals from defenseman Luke Shipley.
“I’m really proud of the result today,” Head Coach Bill Muckalt said after Saturday’s game, “The resilience of this group, the maturity and growth in this group. This says a lot about the buy-in.”
Friday’s game featured a strong defensive performance from Michigan Tech. Goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz stopped all 30 shots he faced, earning his fifth career shutout. Matthew Van Blaricom opened the scoring in the first period, Conner Roulette added a second-period goal, and Tyler Miller scored in the third to secure the 3-0 victory. Alaska goaltender Tyler Shea made 36 saves Friday, keeping the Nanooks in the game despite Michigan Tech’s offensive pressure.
Saturday’s matchup proved more challenging for the Huskies. Noah Reinhart gave Michigan Tech a 1-0 lead late in the first period before Alaska tied the game in the second. The Nanooks took a 2-1 lead early in the third period on a breakaway goal by Rylen Roersma. Michigan Tech responded on the power play, with Shipley tying the game 2-2 with a shot through traffic at 7:05 of the third period. Just seven minutes later, he scored again to give the Huskies a 3-2 lead. Carson Birnie added an empty-net goal with less than a minute left on the clock to seal the victory. Bartoszkiewicz finished with 30 saves, while Michigan Tech recorded 33 shots on goal.
Muckalt said the team’s response to falling behind on Saturday reflected its development throughout the season. “It’s a 60-minute game,” Muckalt said. “You’re gonna fall behind. You’re gonna find ways.” Muckalt also credited the team’s leadership for helping maintain its composure after Alaska took the lead. He said players and captains encouraged their teammates on the bench rather than allowing the setbacks to affect their focus.
The sweep concluded Michigan Tech’s nonconference schedule. The Huskies are scheduled to open conference play against Ferris State on Friday, Oct. 23, in Big Rapids, MI.
