MTU hockey moves up in the national rankings

HOUGHTON – The Michigan Tech hockey team is ranked No. 8 in the USCHO.com poll and No. 9 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll this week. Tech is 18-7-1 overall and 13-4-1 in the WCHA, good for second place in the league standings.

The Huskies picked up their sixth WCHA series sweep over the weekend, defeating Alaska 4-3 in overtime on Friday and 3-2 on Saturday. Tech trailed in each game but made comebacks, including a 3-1 deficit on Friday. Blake Pietila scored the overtime winner on Friday with Tanner Kero scoring Saturday’s game winner in the third period.

After starting the season unranked, the Huskies climbed to No. 1 on Nov. 17 for the first time since 1976. They have remained in the top 11 since Nov. 3.

The Huskies continue their nine-game home stand this weekend (Jan. 30-31) against Alabama Huntsville. The two teams face off at 7:07 p.m. both nights. It will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. Tech won 4-2 and 5-2 on Nov. 28-29 in Alabama. The Chargers currently sit in a tie for eighth in the WCHA standings, but have won four of their last six league games.

Friday is Season Ticket Holders Appreciation Night. Season ticket holders can pick up a general admission ticket to the March 6 game against Northern Michigan during the game and up to 30 minutes after the conclusion. Season ticket holders can also pick up a free box of popcorn during Friday’s game and also a free hockey t-shirt with a purchase of $25 or more at University Images.

Saturday is Junior Hockey Night with Skate With The Huskies and autographs after the game. There will be a raffle table with numerous prizes, including Commuter Plan B week of hockey school, Reebok stick certificates, autographed Michigan Tech hockey sticks and pucks, free ice cream, free skate sharpening cards from Center Ice Skate and Sport, free SDC daily pass, and a discount card for hockey school and the Randy McKay 3-on-3 tournament.

(Information Courtesy of MTU Athletics)