No. 17 Tech Hockey Falls to Alaska Anchorage
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alaska Anchorage (8-6-2 (5-4-1)) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|
Michigan Tech (9-6-1 (8-6-0)) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Brett Boeing and Tyler Heinonen both scored goals and goaltender Matt Wintjes made 24 saves in his first-career start, but the No. 17-ranked Michigan Tech hockey team fell to Alaska Anchorage 3-2 in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association contest in front of 3,419 at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
Heinonen's goal-scoring streak now stands at seven consecutive games. The all-time program record is 10 games in row, shared by George Lyle (1975-76) and Gord Salt (1987-79)
"Tonight's game was very similar to last night's in a lot of way," said head coach Mel Pearson. "We didn't get any puck luck this weekend. I give Alaska Anchorage a lot of credit, but we're obviously disappointed in the results. We have to get back to work and there's a lot of hockey left. This won't define our season."
Boeing's first goal as a Husky gave Tech a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. After an extended shift in the offensive zone, Alex Gillies won a race to a loose puck and sent it to Jimmy Davis at the point. Davis corralled the pass, looked up and fired it towards the net. Boeing, who was standing at the edge of the right circle, got his stick on the shot and redirected it just under the glove of Anchorage goalie Olivier Mantha.
Following an early second-period goal by the Seawolves, Tech fought back and regained a one-goal lead before the end of the middle frame. With the Huskies skating on the power play, Alex Petan took a pass from Boeing, walked to the middle and sent a low, hard wrister towards the net. Heinonen, who was camped out at the edge of the crease, got just enough of the puck to tip it over the line for his WCHA-leading 11th goal of the season.
Alaska Anchorage scored twice in the third to rally and win.
Michigan Tech (9-6-1 overall; 8-6-0 WCHA) wraps up its first-half league schedule next weekend (Dec. 11-12) when it travels to Lake Superior State to take on the Lakers. Friday's game starts at 7:37 p.m. while the finale is set for 7:07 p.m. Fans can join the Library Restaurant at the game Saturday night as they will be hosting a fan bus to and from the game. For more information, call Kim at 906-487-5882.
NOTES: Tech held a 32-27 advantage in shots … The Huskies went 1-4 on the power play. Anchorage was 0-2.
