MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan hockey team (3-6-0, 1-2-0 CCHA) earned their first CCHA win of the season over the visiting Minnesota State (MSU) Mavericks (2-5-2, 0-1-2 CCHA) by a score of 2-1 on Friday in the Berry Events Center.
"When we are on the same page, we can be a tough team to play against," said NMU Assistant Coach Chris Kamal.
Ian Engel opened up the scoring at the 8:16 mark of the opening period after a stolen puck by Reilley Kotai near the Maverick net slid its way over to the left side where he was waiting to capitalize on the opportunity.
The Mavericks tied up the score 14 minutes into the second period with a power-play goal strike by Easton Hewson from just outside the right circle.
Branden Piku would then put the Wildcats back on top for good, scoring in transition just over four minutes into the third period with Coster Dunn and Noah Houle picking up assists on the play.
"I thought that was a really nice play from Dunn to Piku," said Kamal. "That was a highlight-reeler."
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton recorded 35 saves on the night, picking up the win between the pipes in his return to action after missing the prior two games at Augustana.
"The guys did a great job staying together, obviously some timely saves from [Auyeung-Ashton]," said Kamal. "It was great to see our team complete the 60 [minutes] there."
The Mavericks led in shots on goal 36-30, but the Wildcats held a 29-26 edge in the faceoff circle.
How it happened
Both teams battled early in the opening period, with the defenses blocking several shots before either goaltender needed to make a play. Then, as the Mavericks controlled the puck in their own defensive zone, Kotai would not allow them to leave, breaking up the play to steal the puck away. Minnesota State was able to prevent Kotai from getting a shot off, but as the puck slid out to the left side of the net, Engel was there waiting to finish off the play to put the Wildcats on the board first at the 8:16 mark.
Both teams had a chance on the power play midway through the opening frame, but neither side was able to take advantage as the score remained 1-0 going into the first intermission.
The Mavericks managed to knot up the score at 1-1 14 minutes into the second set with a power-play goal as they cycled the puck around to a waiting Easton Hewson at the top of the right circle for the one-timer that just narrowly beat Auyeung-Ashton, hitting the crossbar and falling into the net.
Early in the third period, the Wildcats were able to strike back in transition as Dunn quickly moved the puck up the right side before dumping it back to Piku, who flew in for the one-timer in the slot to put NMU back on top for good. The Mavericks fought back to try and tie up the game, but the Wildcat defense held firm, denying them at every opportunity to hold on for the 2-1 victory.
Up next
The Wildcats will be looking for the weekend sweep when the face the Mavericks again in game two of the series on Saturday, Nov. 7 with puck drop scheduled for 6:07 p.m.
