Michigan Tech struggled to generate any offense and made too many mistakes to get into the game tonight against Northern Michigan at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. The Wildcats played a quick style and took advantage of turnovers to beat the Huskies 4–1.
Northern Michigan took a 2–0 lead in the first period and held the Huskies to 0 shots in the first 10 minutes and 6 total in the period. In the second, Aaron Pietila deflected a shot from Alex MacLeod past Wildcats goaltender Jared Coreau to give the Huskies a chance going into the third, but Northern Michigan forward Tyler Gron responded with 2 goals in the final period, one against an empty net, to put the game out of reach.
Josh Robinson started the game, but was replaced by Kevin Genoe in the second. Robo let in a couple that he would like to have back, but in his defense, the D did not give him much help.
“Tonight was all about the first period. They came out and played, we started slow,” said coach Mel Pearson. “It shows the importance of the start of the hockey game.”
The Huskies could not have played much worse in the first. The second and third was a little better, but not much. Michigan Tech looked outmatched and were outplayed for nearly the entire game. They also failed to convert on five power play opportunities, including 48 seconds with a two-man advantage.
One positive sign was the guys’ determination not to quit. They turned up the intensity as the game progressed, and even though they still gave up too many odd-man rushes, Genoe played well and gave the Huskies a chance to win.
It was great to see the presence of Mitch’s Misfits at the game. They were loud and did a great job cheering on the Huskies, and even elicited a chant of “we can’t hear you” from the Northern Michigan fans at one point.
Up next is the Great Lakes Invitational, where the Huskies will first take on Michigan State on Thursday, December 29.
