Saturday, December 16, 2006

Wildcats beat Team USA in overtime Friday

Northern Michigan beat the U.S. National Under-18 Team Friday night in overtime at the Berry Events Center in an exhibition game.

Mike Santorelli's goal at 4:31 of the extra session gave the Wildcats a 5-4 win.

Senior Josh Hatinger (pictured), NMU's third goaltender behind Bill Zaniboni and Brian Stewart, made the most of his time on the ice and turned away 22 shots and assisted on Santorelli's game-winner as well.

"I just drove wide and beat their guy (goalie Josh Unice) and luckily got it over his shoulder," Santorelli said.

Nick Sirota, Zach Tarkir, Andrew Sarauer and Darin Olver (game-tying goal at 17:32 of the third period) also scored for NMU, who had assistant coach John Kyle behind the bench with head coach Walt Kyle and assistant coach John Olver away recruiting.

For Hatinger, it was the first time in his NMU career that he played a whole game.

"It felt really good to get a win," said Hattinger. "Especially Mike (Santorelli) is my roommate and got the game-winning goal. I just really appreciate all the support the fans give me."

NMU will take some time off for Christmas and then jump back into conference play Dec. 30-31. The 'Cats will take on Notre Dame after the break. The game on the 30th will be played in Ft. Wayne, Ind. before moving to South Bend on the 31st.

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