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Posted: Nov 11, 2016

Pearson Earns 100th Win in 6-1 Tech Victory

Pearson Earns 100th Win in 6-1 Tech Victory Play Video
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HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech head hockey coach Mel Pearson picked up his 100th career win in the Huskies' 6-1 victory over No. 20-ranked Lake Superior State Friday (Nov. 11). Jake Jackson and Gavin Gould each had a pair of goals, and Angus Redmond stopped 24 shots for the Black and Gold as they remained undefeated at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

"One hundred wins means that I've had a lot of real good people around me in coaches, support staff, and players," said Pearson. "I'm just the recipient of all the hard work that those people put in. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by good people, and I really appreciate that and thank them."

Tech (5-6-2, 4-2-1-1 WCHA) opened up scoring with a pair of goals late in the first period. Michael Neville fed a streaking Jackson who used his speed to beat his defender and snipe a shot for his second goal of the season at 17:18.

Chris Leibinger added to the lead 1:22 later as he finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play from line mates Thomas Beretta and Alex Smith. Leibinger now has four goals on the season, playing the last seven games at the forward position.

Smith redirected a shot by Cliff Watson 3:31 into the second for his third of the season. Leibinger added the secondary assist.

Gould scored his first of his career 2:34 into the third, as he put in a rebound after an initial shot by Joel L'Esperance. Jake Lucchini also assisted on the play.

LSSU (6-3-0, 4-3-0 WCHA) finally got on the scoreboard with just over 7:00 to play in the game as Kyle Chatam scored on a rebound.

Jackson scored his second in the same spot he scored his first at 14:23. Neville rushed the zone and flipped the puck over to Jackson who buried his fourth career goal. Reid Sturos also picked up an assist.

"Jake is starting to find his groove right now," added Pearson. "We need guys like him to step up. His speed is a big part of his game and he showed that again tonight."

Gould buried his second of the night with 1:34 left on the clock. He took a long shot that hit the post, ricocheted off LSSU goaltender Gordon Defiel and into the back of the net. Shane Hanna and Matt Roy were credited with the assists.

The two teams were whistled for 19 combined penalties, including 11 in the third period alone. Tech was 0-for-2 on the man advantage and killed off all six LSSU power plays.

The Huskies outshot the Lakers 30-25. Redmond had three saves in the first, nine in the second, and 11 in the third. He improved his record to 4-1-0, having started the last four games.

"Angus made some key saves tonight and made them look easy," Pearson said. "I liked his battle, his compete, and his puck handling. He's doing a great job and has really picked our team up."

The two teams wrap-up their only series of the season Saturday (Nov. 12) with a 7:07 p.m. puck drop at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

"They're a good team and they're going to be hungry tomorrow," said Pearson. "We have to play better and stay out of the box. They're well coached and they're going to come after us."

NOTES: Mel Pearson's career record is 100-83-24 … Alex Smith has four points (1G-3A) in the last two games … Chris Leibinger has eight career goals … Tech is undefeated against LSSU in the last eight matchups … The Huskies are 3-0-1 at home.