Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, Mich. – After waiting an extra day, No. 19 Michigan Tech opened its 2026-27 season with a 3-2 victory over No. 14 Minnesota on Saturday at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Matthew Van Blaricom had two goals and an assist for the Huskies.
 
"I was impressed with both teams. It was a tremendous game, but we were able to make one more play in the third period and hang on," Tech coach Bill Muckalt said. "I'm excited for our group, and it's going to be another tough game tomorrow."
 
The teams entered the third period deadlocked at two. The eventual game-winner was scored when the Gophers tried to clear the puck out of their defensive zone. It bounced off the glass to Kalem Parker, who made a quick pass to Matthew Van Blaricom for a one-timer as the goalie tried to get back into position. It was Van Blaricom's fourth career goal.
 
"It was a surreal feeling—especially hearing my name chanted—but all the credit goes to the rest of the team. We played our hearts out and stuck to our game plan," Van Blaricom said. "Parks made a great feed. I caught it and ripped it."
 
Minnesota pressured, and Owen Bartoszkiewicz had to make seven saves down the stretch while his teammates blocked four other shots.
 
There was a faceoff with one-tenth of a second left, and Michael Cicek was able to eat up the time on the draw.
 
Matthew Van Blaricom opened the game's scoring 16:19 into the first period when he had a quick one-timer through traffic that found its way in. Carson Birnie and Tom Leppa assisted on the first goal of the season for the Huskies.
 
The Gophers tied it up early in the second when Tate Pritchard scored on a breakaway from Finn Loftus at 1:25.
 
Elias Jansson gave the Huskies their lead back with his 21st career goal at 6:29 of the second period. Luke Shipley created a turnover on the boards, and Van Blaricom had a touch pass to Jansson in the high slot. He fired it low blocker.
 
Minnesota found an equalizer when Beckett Hendrickson jammed in a loose puck. Axel Lofgren and Brooks Cullen added the assists.
 
The Gophers led in shots 31-28. Owen Bartoszkiewicz earned his 35th career win with 29 saves. Luca Di Pasquo stopped 25 shots on the other side of the ice.
 
Each team only got one power play as the teams combined for only four penalties.
 
The non-conference series wraps up on Sunday at 3:07 p.m.