David Archambeau/For the Gazette Michigan Tech forward Isaac Gordon celebrates after scoring a goal against Bemidji State on Friday, Jan. 19, at McInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton. Michigan Tech forwards Jack Works, 29, and Logan Pietila, 13, are also in the photo.
BEMIDJI, Minn. — The last time the Michigan Tech hockey team faced the Bemidji State Beavers was back-to-back games on Jan. 19 and 20 at McInnes Student Ice Arena. The Huskies improved to 10-10-5 overall with wins and ties over the weekend. Since that weekend, the Huskies are 8-4-1 in the last 13, putting together a team that has defeated Minnesota State twice, including last Saturday's CCHA semifinal against the Bowling Green State Falcons. . Four times, including two in the CCHA quarterfinals and St. Thomas.
On the flip side, the Beavers went 11-1-1 over the same span, with their only loss coming to the Augustana Vikings.
“It was a good result for us, but it was an even better result for them.” Huskies coach Joe Shoan said. “I don't know if they've lost a game since that series. They're on a nine-game winning streak right now, but that goes back over a month. That probably goes back to when we played here. I mean. , they are also a different team.
“I think it's important at this time of year that we have two teams that are playing the best hockey of the year right now. They're getting people excited. We're finding ways to win. So that's how things are. Let’s see what happens.”
Shawhan feels that the Beavers and Huskies often develop at the same time and in the same way in the recruiting cycle, which makes it a competitive matchup every time the two teams meet.
“I have always respected Tom Serratore, his work, and his staff.” Mr. Shohan said. “It's like they're riding the same wave as us and when they're at the top of their game, we're also there like we were a few years ago. They're rebuilding a little bit. When the rebuilding goes pretty well, as we both experienced, we seem to be in the same situation.
“So we're always sitting next to each other and kind of on the same recruiting cycle.”
The Beavers are 20-15-2 overall and moved up to No. 20 in the USCHO.com rankings on Monday, but are in the same position as the Huskies in needing a win Friday night to advance to the NCAA Tournament. . .
“Both teams will only go to the national tournament once.” said Shohan. “I think both teams are confident right now, so it should be a good hockey game.”
Both teams have good chemistry at this point in the season, but the Huskies come into the game with a top line that has been playing as well as it has all season, if not better.
Alternate captain Ryland Mosley has 17 goals and 32 points in 38 games this season. Freshman winger Isaac Gordon leads the team in goals (18) and points (36) in 38 games. But the man in the middle, co-captain Logan Pietila, is in the midst of the best season of his career with 13 goals and 29 points in 38 games.
Pietila has had a penchant for scoring big goals throughout his career at Horton, and it was on display again Saturday against the Mavericks, as he scored two goals in the final 4:27 of the game to initially tie the game and then continue to score. I decided. Win!
“I've always said throughout his career that he's a 23-point guy, but to me he's a 30, 35-point guy or a 30, 33-point guy.” Mr. Shohan said. “He's evolved so much.
“His habits are good. His discipline is good. His lifestyle is good. His character is strong.”
Over the past five games, this trio has exploded back onto the scene, and that's exactly what the Huskies need offensively.
“They actually came back.” said Shohan. “At Bowling Green, we had a lot of different guys play in that series.
“They've almost always been dominant on the ice. They've almost always been a threat off the ice.”
beaver scout
The Beavers finished the regular season 15-7-2 in CCHA play and won the McNaughton Cup as conference champions. After defeating the Ferris State Bulldogs 5-4 in overtime on Friday night in the CCHA quarterfinal series, they shut out the Bulldogs 4-0 on the second night and defeated Lake Lake in last Saturday's game. They defeated the Superior State Lakers 4-1. CCHA semifinal matchup.
Sophomore forward Leighton Lord leads the team in goals (14) and points (30) in 37 games.
Fifth-year defenseman Kyle Loft leads the team in assists (22) and ranks second in points (28). He also won the CCHA Defenseman of the Year award. He was also named Defenseman of the Year.
Junior goaltender Matthias Scholl played in 23 games and started all 23 games. He has a 14-7-2 record with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. He was named CCHA Goaltender of the Year.
game time
The Huskies and Beavers will face off on Friday night at 8:07 p.m. at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.
