Michigan Tech came into the weekend tied for fifth in the WCHA standings and were playing one of the teams they were tied with: the Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks. The two teams played an evenly matched game on Friday – right down to the shots (31 each) – that ended in a 3–3 tie. In the Saturday rematch the Huskies played a lackluster game and were shut out for the first time this year, losing the game (0–4) and the MacInnes Cup.
Friday
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On Friday, the Huskies jumped out to an early lead when Brad Stebner notched his second goal of the year 0:55 seconds in. Then, with 15:05 remaining, Bryce Reddick gave the home team a 2–0 lead. It looked as if the Huskies were going to walk away with it early, but the Mavericks found their legs and scored the next three goals to take a 3–2 lead halfway through the second period. Jordan Baker tied the game with 3:30 remaining in the third period. In overtime, each team had chances, but Michigan Tech came closest to the win with one shot off the pipe that was reviewed and one that Reddick slid between the goaltender and the far post. Josh Robinson started and finished in the net, making 28 saves. “It was an evenly matched game against two evenly matched teams,” said coach Mel Pearson. “Tomorrow will be one heck of a hockey game.”
Scoresheet
Coverage
- Still even: Nothing decided yet as Huskies, Mavericks tie – The Daily Mining Gazette
- Tie leaves Mavs, Huskies knotted up – Omaha World-Herald
- Huskies Settle for 3-All Tie in Carnival Opener – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Mavs and Huskies Battle to 3-3 Tie – Nebraska-Omaha Athletics
Saturday
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On Saturday, the two teams skated to a 0–0 tie in the first period. Nebraska–Omaha added a goal in the second, and the Huskies did not respond in the third, giving up three more goals and failing to score for the first time all season. Michigan Tech lacked desperation and their play was sloppy and unmotivated, and for their efforts the two valuable points went to the Mavericks. “It was a disappointing evening and weekend,” said Pearson, “We had the chance to get some needed points and did not. We have to get right back at it Monday, we have three important weekends coming up.” Michigan Tech dropped to 7th in the league standings, 1 point out of 6th and 2 points out of 4th. With series against teams in the 4th to 8th place range, the Huskies will need to step up and play better if they want any chance of home ice in the WCHA playoffs. The Huskies travel to Grand Forks next weekend for a two-game series against North Dakota, who are 1 point ahead of them in the standings.
Scoresheet
Coverage
- Daily Mining Gazette will release later Monday.
- Mavs in tie for fourth after win – Omaha World-Herald
- UNO Claims Winter Carnival Title with 4-0 Win – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Massa and Mavs Blank Michigan Tech, 4-0 – Nebraska-Omaha Athletics
Stick Salute
This week we salute Bryce Reddick who has scored his fourth goal of the season this past weekend. With a career line of 7-1-8 in 65 games, the senior has more than doubled his career scoring output as he finds his place in Coach Pearson’s offense-first strategy. As a forward with significant speed, he never quite found his touch playing Coach Russell’s defensive style, and he has become a threat as of late due to increased confidence and comfort level.
