Huskies split with WCHA foe

Michigan Tech split last weekend's series with Minnesota State.

MSU won Friday, 5-4, and MTU won Saturday, 3-2. It was a series that saw the Huskies score early in both games, but the lead was short-lived both nights as Minnesota State tied it up in the first on both games. Both teams did earn two big points in the WCHA. Chris Conner (right) was the Superior Player of the Game Saturday and the No. 2 star Friday. He ended the weekend with three points on two goals and an assist.

Friday...

Taggart Desmet started the scoring, just 10 seconds into the contest as he was able to take the faceoff in right away and put one past the Maverick's netminder. MSU then tallied the next three goals ending the first at 3-1.

Only one goal was scored in the second, by junior defenseman Lars Helminen at the two-minute mark. The Huskies went into the third down, 3-2.

MSUM scored first in the final frame, making it 4-2. Then Tech scored two unanswered goals. The first came off the stick of freshman Ryan Angelow on a quick wrister that beat Mankato goalie Dan Tormey gloveside. The second was by Conner, MTU's goal-scoring leader. Desmet found him on a partial break and Conner did the rest. It looked as it would head to overtime, but Rob Rankin was able to get a shot on goal and MTU goalie Rob Nolan seemed to screened and the puck went in with 44 seconds to go.

Nolan ended the night with 34 saves.

Saturday...

MTU again came out strong and Brandon Schwartz got a goal on a rebound by a Mike Batovanja shot.

Minnesota State tied it up early in the second at 1. There was no scoring until the last two minutes of the second when John Scott found Conner heading up ice. Conner had company, Tyler Skworchinski, who was streaking in on goal. Conner found him and Schorchinski did not miss his oppurtunity, giving the home team a 2-1 advanage going into the third.

MTU got there first two-goal lead when Batovanja found the shortie expert, Conner, making a break for the net. Conner skated in all alone and made one of his patented moves to get it by Tormey. MSU did get one back, but then relied on the pads of Michael-Lee Teslak.

Teslak ended the night with 41 saves, making him the game's No. 1 star.

Upcoming...

MTU will now head to Detroit to partake in the 41st annual Great Lakes Invitational. Tech will start with Michigan State on Dec. 29 in the tournament opener at 4:30 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena. The winner plays the winner of the Michigan-Colorado College matchup.