Deadlocked Again: Tech and Bemidji Tie 2-2

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HOUGHTON, Mich. — Michigan Tech extended its unbeaten streak to five games with a second straight 2-2 tie vs. Bemidji State tonight at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Tanner Kero and Brad Stebner were the goal scorers for the Huskies, who ran their record to 6-8-4 overall and 4-3-3 in the WCHA with the tie.

Both recent and all-time series history between the teams tell a story of equally matched teams. Five of the last six games in the series have gone to overtime, and the squads have split the 14 games all-time with five wins, five losses and four ties apiece.

"There's not a lot to choose from between the teams," said head coach Mel Pearson. "We're a little disappointed with the tie because we feel like we deserve better."

Tech scored the game's opening goal on a stellar individual effort by Kero. The junior took control of the puck and neutral ice and skated into the zone and around a defenseman. He pulled his shot back to his backhand before finishing over Jesse Wilkins' left pad. The goal came at the 6:14 mark.

The 1-0 lead lasted until BSU's Mitch Cain scored on a breakaway at 15:30 of the first.

Tyler Heinonen nearly answered right away when his shot rang off the iron and the back of Wilkins toward the goal line. A Bemidji defenseman swept it away before the puck completely crossed the goal line.

Tech did end up getting the go-ahead goal 4:10 into the second period. Alex Petan dropped a pass off to a trailing Stebner, who buried his shot from the high slot on Wilkins' glove side.

Bemidji State (5-8-5, 5-4-3 WCHA) knotted the game again in the third period. The Beavers came down on a rush, and Copley made the initial save on a short shot. The puck remained in the crease, however, and Danny Mattson poked in the rebound.

For the second straight night, Tech applied a lot of pressure in the final minutes of the third frame and overtime but could not find the game winner.

"We had the lead, but we can't get any separation because we're not scoring," said Pearson. "Offense is something you can't preach. We just have to keep working on creating chances and the goals will come."

Tech peppered Wilkins with 41 shots on goal including six in the extra session. Copley stopped 18-of-20 Bemidji shots including two early in the overtime to keep the game alive.

Neither team was able to break through on the power play. The Huskies had six chances while the Beavers had four.

Michigan Tech will continue its four-game home streak with a series vs. Bowling Green State next weekend. Games are Friday and Saturday (Dec. 13-14) at 7:07 p.m.