With the exhibition win over the Ryerson Rams last weekend, the hockey Huskies are looking forward to officially opening the season this weekend by playing host, along with Minnesota-Duluth, to the Lake Superior Showcase. The Huskies will bring in CCHA neighbors Northern Michigan and Lake Superior State on Friday and Sunday to the MacInnes Student Ice Arena as part of the tournament.
“We love our building,” said Huskies’ head coach Jamie Russell. “The atmosphere is fantastic. The student body plays a huge role in making our place a tough place to play in.”
The Wildcats come into the season having drubbed the Rams 11-2 on Friday night. Freshman winger Kory Kaunisto (3-0=3) and sophomore forward Tyler Gron (2-3=5) both had big nights for head coach Walt Kyle’s bunch. Sophomore winger Andrew Cherniwchan (2-1=3) also played well in the game.
Senior netminder Brian Stewart (14-13-3 overall, 2.32 goals against average, 92.5% save percentage last season) only played in the opening period for the Wildcats, seeing just three shots. He’ll likely be the Wildcats’ starter on Friday at the MacInnes.
The Huskies will have to be on their best behavior as the Wildcats notched five of their 11 goals on the power play.
“[Playing Northern Michigan] is a special game for the students,” said Russell.
The Lakers also started the season on a high note with a 7-1 pasting of Nipissing, a first-year Canadian collegiate program.
Senior defenseman Simon Gysbers (2-1=3) had a big night for head coach Jim Roque’s squad, as he netted the first two goals of the game and assisted on the last goal.
Senior forward Zac MacVoy (1-3=4) and junior forward (1-3=4) both had big nights for the Lakers netting four points each.
Junior goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson (7-10-6 overall, 2.66 goals against average, 91.5% save percentage last season) will likely be between the pipes against the Huskies.
Game time on Friday will be 7:07 p.m. On Sunday, the game will be at 5:07 p.m.
Huskies Take Bite out of Rams
Captain Malcolm Gwilliam got the Huskies on the board first, and freshman forwards Aaron Pietila and Evan Witt each notched a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win for the Huskies over the Rams.
The Huskies jumped out to a 2-0 lead less than a minute into the game after Gwilliam scored at 19 seconds and Pietila netted his goal just 28 seconds later.
Huskies’ netminder Josh Robinson had his shutout hopes dashed 2:31 into the second period, but held the Rams off the board from that moment forward.
For a full recap of the game, check out our website: www.mtulode.com.