NMU Hockey falls to Miami

Courtesy of NMU Athletics

OXFORD, Ohio – The No. 16-ranked Northern Michigan University hockey team was defeated in its first Central Collegiate Hockey Association road game at No. 5 Miami. The RedHawks scored three power-play and one shorthanded goal, defeating the Wildcats 5-2 on Friday (Nov. 9) from Steve Cady Arena.

NMU is now 4-4-1 overall and 1-3-1 in the CCHA. Miami is 6-2-1 overall and 3-2-0 in the conference. The series finale is at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday.

The two teams traded first period goals. Miami got on the board first with a power-play goal by Matthew Caito 10:37 in.

NMU sophomore forward DJ Vandercook scored his first career goal at 13:31 of the first to tie the game. Assisting on the goal was junior forward Stephan Vigier and sophomore forward Ryan Daugherty.

The RedHawks scored four straight goals, including two in the second period and two in the third. Riley Barber gave Miami the 2-1 lead 4:51 into the second on the man advantage. Cody Murphy made it a two-goal lead with less than five minutes (15:25) remaining in the second on the power play.

Curtis McKenzie scored midway through the third (10:33) and Austin Czarnik added a shorthanded goal at 14:38 for the 5-1 lead.

Junior defenseman CJ Ludwig scored his first of the season on the man advantage with less than five minutes (15:38) left in the third. Sophomore forward Reed Seckel and sophomore defenseman Mitch Jones assisted on Ludwig’s second of his career.

Junior Jared Coreau had 24 saves on the evening. Freshman Michael Doan added seven saves as he relieved Coreau with 9:27 left in the third.

Jay Williams had 18 saves for the RedHawks.

NMU took 10 minor penalties and Miami was 3-for-8 on the power play. Miami had nine minor penalties and NMU was 1-for-7 on the man advantage.