The NMU hockey team took on the Michigan Tech University Huskies on Tuesday, Dec. 4, skating away with a 2-1 victory.
Following a weekend of back-to-back losses against Western Michigan, the Wildcats aimed at redemption on home-ice against their rivals. The game also honored the memory of fellow NMU athlete Arianna Alioto, with fans wearing purple to commemorate her life.
NMU head coach Walt Kyle said the win was a welcome one, especially in light of the recent tragedy on campus.
“It was a big one,” Kyle said. “There was a great show of support from the students and people at the game for a fellow athlete after the tragedy. I think it was a good effort by our guys coming out, and I think we needed to come out feeling good.”
Similar to past match-ups against the Huskies, the Wildcats scored early in the first period when junior defenseman CJ Ludwig shot a one-timer off of a pass by teammate freshman forward Ryan Aynsley 1:29 into the match. Junior forward Stephan Vigier also contributed an assist for the goal.
Junior forward Erik Higby kept the ’Cats going with a goal to open the second period, bringing the game to 2-0.
Freshman forward Darren Nowick earned an assist on the shot after managing to turn-over the puck to Wildcat control.
Nowick said the offense was clicking better during the game than in past match-ups despite a few isolated injuries on the bench.
“We were mixing it up a lot down low,” Nowick said. “I had a few days off due to injury, so I have been just trying to get my legs back going. It was also a good night to have (senior Matt) Thurber back in the line-up. He’s a big offensive part of our game.”
Despite four separate challenges where goals were declined by officials, including two MTU challenges, the Huskies scored in the final 10 minutes of the third period, bringing the score to 2-1. The Wildcats were able to hold their defenses and closed the night with a victory.
Between the posts, junior goaltender Jared Coreau saved 25 shots-on-net, while MTU goaltender Jamie Philips saved 23.
Both the ’Cats and the Huskies tallied seven minor penalties in the game, while MTU also suffered a game misconduct during the third period.
Coreau said the victory against the team’s rival was a nice step away from the losses against Western Michigan last weekend.
“It felt really good,” Coreau said. “We needed a really big win, especially against our rivals. It was pretty heated at the end, so it was important to get the victory, so I think we got Big Mo back. Guys are feeling pretty good.”
Looking back on Saturday, Dec. 1, the Wildcats experienced another series of losses on the road at Kalamazoo, Mich. against the No. 10-ranked Western Michigan Broncos.
Saturday night’s game marked the sixth loss in a row with a score of 1-0.
In the crease, Coreau saved 37 shots-on-net. The game marked the third game in a row that Coreau saved more than 30 shots in a match.
On Friday, Nov. 30, the Wildcats started the game with a 2-0 lead during the second period.
Junior forward Jake Johnson put the ’Cats on the board at the top of the second period, assisted by junior defenseman Wade Epp and Vigier.
Sophomore forward Ryan Daugherty kept the offense moving with his sixth goal of the season. Sophomore forward Reed Seckel and senior defenseman Kyle Follmer assisted the shot.
NMU wrapped up the series in Kalamazoo 5-7-3 overall and 2-6-3-1 in the CCHA. Coreau finished the game with 35 saves.
The Wildcats will resume gameplay at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 15 at Sault Ste. Marie to take on Lake Superior State, as NMU has this weekend off.
