Kero's Late Goal Lifts Tech 3-2 Over LSSU

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Tanner Kero scored the game-winning goal with 2:05 remaining in a 3-2 Michigan Tech hockey victory at Lake Superior State tonight. The Huskies earned the series split with the Lakers and an important two points in the WCHA standings.

"This was an important victory for our team," said coach Mel Pearson. "We had to battle back, kill a late penalty and were able to get the late goal. It was gutsy effort on the road against a good team."

With the clock winding down and Kero's line at the end of a shift, Reid Sturos won the puck behind the next and send it front. Kero beat LSSU goalie Kevin Kapalka on the short side. Ryan Furne also assisted on the go-ahead marker at 17:55 of the third.

The goal was one of a season-high 51 shots sent on net by the Huskies in the game (part of 93 for the weekend).

Tech netminder Jamie Phillips, making his first start since Dec. 6, posted 27 saves on 29 Lakers shots.

For the second straight night, the team that scored first did not win. Andrew Dommett tipped a power-play shot past Phillips 10:37 into the first period.

The Huskies turned the game in their favor with a pair of goals in the second. Blake Pietila scored a power-play marker when he collected a rebound in the slot, turned and fired. Alex Petan drew an assist as he had the initial shot from the point. The time of the goal was 6:41.

Two minutes later, Furne made it 2-1 Tech when he put home a rebound on the back door. Brad Stebner's shot caromed to the weak side, where Furne out-muscled a defender to score his second of the weekend and sixth of the campaign.

LSSU scored its second goal shortly after Tech's on a nearly identical situation. Colin Campbell put in a long rebound on the weak side after Alex Globke's shot.

The game remain tied late into the third period even though it appeared the Lakers had taken the lead early in the frame. Kevin Czuczman's shot went over Phillips' shoulder and bounced back toward Czuczman. The referee signaled goal, but a video review showed the puck went off the cross bar and post without entering the cage.

The Huskies also killed a penalty midway through the period with senior Dennis Rix blocking several shots to keep the score knotted.

Kero's game winner gave him seven goals for the season and seven career points in six games vs. Lake Superior State.

"We continued our streak of getting points in every league series we've played this year," said Pearson. "These are a huge two points for us."

Michigan Tech (7-11-6, 5-5-4 WCHA) will continue WCHA play next weekend with a trip to league-leading Ferris State. The Huskies and No. 2-ranked Bulldogs will square off Friday and Saturday (Jan. 10-11) at 7:07 p.m. each night.