Our Michigan Tech Huskies (15-9-2) enter into yet another new month in 2025 and start the month with their annual Winter Carnival series! They host the Bemidji State Beavers (9-15-4) who are reeling from being swept at home by the Ferris State Bulldogs (10-16-2).
Analysis
The Beavers have been on a downward spiral since they last played our Huskies back in December. Since our last series they are 1-7-1 against a wide range of opponents (not including their exhibition win against Manitoba). The scary part of this trend for Beaver fans is that these losses come at the hands of the CCHA basement, as they have been swept by both Ferris and NMU. Their biggest issues this season continues to be offense, while veteran netminder Mattias Sholl has also not been up to snuff:
While Irey is having a good junior season, the rest of the Beavers are falling behind the curve this season. Sholl has been playing, alright given the 2.84 GAA, but the telling number is his save percentage being only .894%. Meaning the team is able to prevent goals, but Sholl isn’t saving all that many shots compared to years previous. However, again the biggest issue with the Beavers is the lack of offense. The defense has been serviceable as the team is able to block a good number of shots to help Sholl, but it just hasn’t been enough.
Sadly, we aren’t going to have any Instat data, as issues with data analysis persists here between website issues and THG’s Augie’s magical code.
Instead we’ll have to refocus on our Huskies who managed to sweep NMU two weeks ago. Tech looked pretty strong, though most of that was in game two. In agreement with Coach Shawhan’s view, they played a total complete game to shut out NMU. However, game one was a different story, as they almost tied with Northern until Elias Jansson pulled out some late game heroics on the power play to take the lead and hold it. The rising star on the Huskies is far and away Ryan Manzella, who has been all Tech has hoped for and more so far in his early collegiate career. x
Keys to the Game
- Get on the Board Early. The earlier Tech can play with the lead the better. Again their kryptonite will be an aggressive forecheck and their inability to grind games out when behind. So it will be imperative to keep morale high.
- Play the Hot Hand. Mazella will be key to this series as he has been hot so far. If Mullahy does get a start it should be Friday as Mazella has been perfect every Saturday he’s played this season.
- Stay the Path. Tech has been on the right path in recent weeks. Yes there have been bumps along the way, but everything is slowly coming together. They need to keep doing what they’re doing and they should have a shot at a deep postseason run.
My Prediction
BSU is in a rough spot and Tech is going to have a fire under their butts with it being Winter Carnival weekend. Tech should sweep and win the Carnival trophy. MTU wins 3-1. MTU wins 2-0.
The guys on our Chasing MacNaughton Podcast also made predictions for this coming series against the Beavers.
Cover photo courtesy Michigan Tech Athletics.
InStat plots created by Zach Aufdemberge.
How to Watch
Both games are available through Mix 93.5 for audio featuring Dirk Hembroff (free), via Midco Sports Plus* (paywall) for video. Game 1 will be Friday at 7:07 ET. Game 2 will be Saturday at 5:07 ET.
*Midco Sports Plus is also the source of all games played in CCHA buildings this season so don’t be afraid to sign up for a month or the year. Midco Sports Plus now has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku.
Jonathan graduated from Michigan Tech in the spring of 2018 with a degree in Physics and Social Science in addition to a minor in Social and Behavioral Studies. He spent his college career watching hockey with the Misfits where he became the treasurer in his last year. When not traveling to away games he resides in Hancock working for a local engineering company and keeping up with all things Tech Hockey.
