U.P. rivalry ends in split

Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan scored a combined four goals in this weekend's series, the lowest since this series started in 1976. MTU won on Friday, 2-1, and NMU answered back with a 1-0 win Saturday.

The Wildcats scored first in both contests. Friday it was Pat Bateman who started the scoring, getting one past Michael-Lee Teslak in the first stanza. MTU carried the play for the majority of the first and second, but they could not find an answer for NMU goalie Bill Zaniboni.

The third period started with NMU holding a 1-0 lead. Tyler Skworchinski (pictured) tied the game in the third when he tipped in a shot from Mark Malekoff. MTU took the lead for the first and only time with three seconds remaining in the game, when Justin St. Louis put home a rebound that sent the crowd into a crazy frenzy.

Saturday was a similar contest as MTU seemed to carry the play for the majority of the game, but could not get an answer for Zaniboni. It was Matt Sidell's early power-play goal that was the game winner, and the only one of the game. NMU held off two 5-on-3 chances by MTU and were able to tie the series.

MTU will travel to Vermont this upcoming weekend. The Huskies are 1-1-1 with Vermont and look to improve on their record.

Photo courtesy MTU Athletics