Michigan Tech came home for the last home series of 2012 and the last WCHA match-up against the University of North Dakota. North Dakota was strong on the weekend, showing themselves worthy of their #8 ranking, sweeping the home Huskies 6-1 and 4-1.
Friday
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The Huskies came out slow and were out played early, going down in the first 2-0. Blake Pietila was able to get a goal early in the second to make it 2-1. Seconds later, Alex Petan had a break away and a chance to tie up the game, but shot high over the net. From there North Dakota took over and put the game out of reach, with three goals in the second and another in the third, ending the game at 6-1.
“I thought it was a good game up until the halfway point,” said Head Coach Mel Pearson. “We battled hard, but we have to make sure we eliminate the mistakes. We left too many guys open in front of the net. It seemed like we got caught on the wrong side of the puck a lot of the night.”
Scoresheet
Coverage
- For Tech, no ‘D’ vs UND – Daily Mining Gazette
- UND Plays Strong, results in 6-1 victory over Michigan Tech – Grand Forks Herald
- North Dakota defeats Tech Hockey 6-1 – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Oh, What a Knight – UND Athletics
Saturday
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Saturday was more of the same as UND started the scoring again. This time, the Huskies responded quickly, when David Johnstone was able to score on a power play. North Dakota added a second in the first, then two more in the second to hold on to a 4-1 lead and a series sweep.
The third period was filled with penalties as the Huskies had to kill off five penalties in the final frame.
“We played hard, competed well,” said Johnstone. “They have some players that can score, we have to limit their opportunities because when they get them they score.”
“North Dakota is a championship team,” said Pearson, “That is what we are trying to get our program too. It’s going to take us some time.”
Scoresheet
Coverage
- UND finds its groove early – Grand Forks Herald
- Huskies Sweep Bemidji with 2-1 Overtime Victory – Michigan Tech Athletics
- UND secures first sweep with 4-1 win over Michigan Tech – UND Athletics
Stick Salute
This week’s stick salute goes to Blake Pietila, he had the only goal on Friday and will now head to the World Juniors for team USA.
This is the first time since 1996 that the Huskies had a representative on this team.
Congratulations to Blake and the rest of his Word Junior teammates, Go USA!
