NMU vs Alaska Ice Hockey

Wildcats lose to Alaska in the second game of their collegiate ice hockey series

Northern Michigan University tries to make a goal against Alaska during their collegiate men’s ice hockey game at the Berry Event’s Center in Marquette, Michigan on Saturday, January 18, 2014. (Marquettemagazine.com photo by Gregg Sutherland)

NMU came on strong in the first period leading Alaska 2-0 but lost their momentum as Alaska tied the score in the second period and put away two more goals in the third period to win against the Wildcats 4-3.

Northern Michigan University hockey players argue on the ice with players from Alaska during their collegiate men’s hockey game at the Berry Event’s Center in Marquette, Michigan on Saturday, January 18, 2014. (Marquettemagazine.com photo by Gregg Sutherland)

The tension on the ice showed as the two collegiate men’s hockey teams engaged in a few brawls on the ice.

Both goals were scored by Senior Erik Higby, the first with a feed from freshman forward John Siemer and junior defenseman Jake Baker.  His second goal was made with a feed by Siemer and junior defenseman Mitch Jones.

Head coach Walt Kyle felt his team got tired out leading to a sloppy game however he pointed out that they still outshot Alaska 7-2.  “Certainly we made some mistakes but we were right there.” said coach Kyle.

Better luck to the NMU men’s ice hockey team next week as they travel north to play another Alaska team this time from Anchorage!

Wildcats claim victory in first of two games against Alaska Friday 1-17-14!

Northern Michigan University scores a goal on Alaska Fairbanks during their men’s ice hockey game in Marquette, Mi. on Friday, January 17, 2014. (Marquettemagazine.com photo by Ronen Zilberman)

MARQUETTE, Mich. – NMU hockey beat Alaska 5-4 – The Northern Michigan University men’s ice hockey team as they faced off against Alaska Fairbanks at the Berry Event’s Center in Marquette, Michigan Friday, January 17, 2014 in the first of their two game series this weekend. 

After a disappointing start the Wildcats came back in the second period against Alaska with new determination turning a slow beginning into an action packed high scoring game by the end of the third period.  This win earned NMU their third straight Western Collegiate Hockey Conference victory.

NMU player makes a desperate stretch for the puck during their men’s ice hockey game against Alaska Fairbanks in Marquette, MI. on Friday, January 17, 2014. (marquettemagazine.com photo by Ronen Zilberman)

NMU was behind 0-1 after the first period.  Coming back in the second period Ryan Daugherty tied the game with the first score for the Wildcats.  Junior forward Ryan Kesti followed up with a goal giving them the lead at the end of the second period.  During the third period both teams traded blows back and forth scoring three goals each.   NMU goals in the third period were made by Erik Higby with assists by Dominik Shine and Stephan Vigier assisting; Freshmen forward John Siemer made his first collegiate goal with a feed from Eibler and Higby; and Freshmen forward Gerard Hanson then scored his first collegiate goal with a feed from Sami Salminen and Baker.

Northern Michigan University faces off against Alaska during their collegiate men’s ice hockey game at the Berry Event’s Center in Marquette, Michigan on Friday, January 17, 2014. (Marquettemagazine.com photo by Ronen Zilberman)

After the game head coach Walt Kyle expressed his happiness with the win although he didn’t feel they played their best.  “We were sloppy today.  I do think we were opportunistic on our chances and I think we made some good plays and took advantage of some good scoring chances. You have to win some games you don’t necessarily deserve and I think we did that tonight.”

Deserving or not let’s hope the Wildcats have another success in tonight’s second series game against Alaska Fairbanks at the Berry Event’s Center at 7:07pm.

by marquette_magazine