HOUGHTON, Mich. - The NMU men's hockey team rounded out the opening weekend of conference play, dropping the second game of the initial series by a score of 6-3.

The Wildcats scored three straight in the opening period to take a 3-1 lead into the locker room after the opening 20 minutes The Huskies scored two in the second to tie the game before the third, and then scored three with two empty net tallies to end the game at 6-3.

Grayden Slipec scored two goals and an assist, recording his first career collegiate goal and first multi-point night with three points. 

Medrick Bolduc added a tally of his own, Jakub Altrichter added two assists, and Tynan Ewart added a helper of his own.

Ryan Ouellette made 37 saves, posting a .902 SV%.

The Wildcats were 2/2 on the power play and didn't have another chance after the first. The Wildcats PK found success, killing all five opportunities the Huskies were gifted. 

NMU returns home for a series against another UP rival in Lake Superior State on November 8th and 9th from the Berry Events Center.

How It Happened
The Huskies opened the scoring early, as 30 seconds in Raiman fired a one-timer from the top of the left circle that found its way through traffic and over the catching hand of Ouellette.

Slipec evened the game for the 'Cats on the power play, as a loose puck found its way to Grayden who was wide open in the slot. Grayden corralled the puck and shot all in one motion, beating Mullahy from in tight.

Slipec got his second of the evening on the power play once again, as he finished off a nifty passing play set up by Altrichter and Ewart. Grayden got set on the right faceoff dot and let it go quickly, beating Mullahy to give the 'Cats the lead.

Bolduc and Altrichter worked a nice passing play before Altrichter fired a shot-pass off the stick-side pad of Mullahy. Medric was crashing the net and deposited the rebound into the yawning cage.

The Huskies streaked down the wing and cut toward the net from the right circle. Pederson put a shot on goal that somehow sneaked through the arm of Ouellette, bringing the Huskies back to only one down early in the second.

As a Wildcat penalty was expiring, Michigan Tech tied the game late in the second period after Trevor Kukkonen finished off a passing play with a one-timer from the left faceoff dot.

Sardarian regained the Husky lead with a goal seven minutes into the final frame, beating Ouellette on the five-hole to take the lead.

The Huskies scored two empty net goals, ending the game at 6-3.