GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The Michigan Tech hockey team had its season
come to an end on Saturday (March 14) when it suffered a 4-3 loss
to No. 6 North Dakota in game two of the WCHA Playoffs. Senior Ryan
Duncan led the Sioux with a hat trick. Freshman Alex MacLeod,
sophomore Jordan Baker and junior Drew Dobson each recorded a goal
for the Huskies.
Michigan Tech (6-25-7) out shot North Dakota (24-12-4) 27-19 in the
contest. Each team finished the game with two power play goals.
"I thought we played well over 60 minutes. Last night I was very
happy with the first but then things tapered off and things got
away from us," said head coach Jamie Russell. "I thought our kids
came out and competed hard and layed everything out on the
line."
MacLeod tallied his second goal of the weekend when he lit the lamp
at 18:54 of the first period. The power play goal came thanks to
assists by senior Alex Gagne and sophomore Deron Cousens. All six
of MacLeod's goals this season have come on the power play.
Duncan recorded a hat trick in the second period with goals at
8:30, 10:31 and 11:46 to give UND the lead.
Freshman goalie Josh Robinson was replaced by senior Rob Nolan in
net following the third goal. Robinson finished with 10 saves on 13
shots.
Baker scored his team-leading 16th goal of the season at 17:31 to
close the gap to 3-2. Dobson and senior Geoff Kinrade each picked
up an assist on the power play goal.
Sophomore Matt Frattin scored what would hold up as the game-winner
for North Dakota at 5:29 of the third period.
Dobson once again closed the UND lead to one with his wrap around
goal at 16:35 for his third goal of the season.
The Huskies pulled Nolan with 1:52 remaining for the extra skater.
UND sent a quality shot on the empty net but senior defender Geoff
Kinrade made a diving stick save to keep the Sioux lead to one.
The Huskies were unable to score the equalizer as the Sioux skated
to the victory.
Nolan finished the game with five saves and gave up one goal.
On the other end, freshman Brad Eidsness made 24 saves and gave up
all three goals for North Dakota.
