Michigan Tech loses again; swept by Bemidji State

(Courtesy of Michigan Tech Athletics)
BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Michigan Tech hockey team out-shot Bemidji State 32-16 tonight but didn’t get the bounces in a 3-1 loss to the Beavers in front of 3,449 fans at the Sanford Center. BSU goaltender Andrew Walsh had a great night making 31 saves and helping his squad even its record at 3-3-0 overall and 2-2-0 in WCHA play. The Huskies fell to 4-2-0 overall and 2-2-0 in the league.

“It’s unfortunate,” said head coach Mel Pearson. “Our guys deserved a better fate tonight, but that’s hockey.

“We took too many penalties in the second period and they scored two goals. We’ve got to continue to bear down on the net and finish our chances.”

Alex MacLeod tallied the game’s first goal as he poked a loose puck under Walsh at the 7:56 mark of the first period. The play was originally blown dead, but ruled a goal after a review. David Johnstone and Brad Stebner picked up assists on the play.

Bemidji tied up the game on the power play midway through the second as a shot from a shallow angle deflected off Carl Nielsen and past Kevin Genoe. The Huskies took another penalty on the ensuing faceoff, but killed the man advantage. The Black and Gold were back in the box six minutes later, and the Beavers were able to score on a Ben Kinne breakaway for a 2-1 lead.

Tech put 11 shots on net in the third period but were unable to solve Walsh. The hosts scored their final goal with 7:34 remaining in the game.

Bemidji State finished 2-for-7 on the power play while the Huskies were scoreless on four chances.

Michigan Tech will return home for its next four contests beginning with a two-game series vs. No. 3-ranked Denver this weekend (Oct. 28-29). Opening faceoff both Friday and Saturday is set for 7:07 p.m.