Tech Hockey beats Anchorage; earns weekend split

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Josh Robinson made 23 saves in his second shutout of the season as the Michigan Tech hockey team defeated Alaska Anchorage 5-0 tonight at Sullivan Arena. The Huskies (7-4-1, 5-4-1 WCHA) got goals from five different players to earn the series split with the Seawolves (4-7-1, 1-7-0 WCHA).

“It was a total team effort tonight,” said head coach Mel Pearson. “I liked our team from the get go. We were so much better than last night.

“I thought Josh Robinson played an outstanding game. He was in good position and made some tough saves look easy.”

Robinson’s shutout was his second of the season and third of his career. He had nine saves in the first period, five in the second and nine in the third while keeping the Seawolves scoreless on three power play chances in the game.

Tech led 1-0 after 20 minutes because of the effort of Ryan Furne. The sophomore created a turnover in the offensive zone, skated in from the half wall and fed a pass to Blake Pietila who buried it into an open net.

The Huskies used a three-goal second period to break the game open. Jordan Baker scored a rebound goal on a delayed penalty call just 1:29 into the frame. With the extra attacker Daniel Sova took an initial shot on goal. UAA goalie Chris Kamal left a rebound sitting just above the crease, where Baker pounded it home.

Milos Gordic made it a 3-0 score when he tipped a Steven Seigo shot from point on power play with 10:58 gone in the middle period.

Less than a minute later, the margin grew to four as Brett Olson won the puck in the corner and sent a pass through the crease to a waiting Furne. Furne’s goal was his third point of the night.

Jacob Johnstone added the team’s fifth goal in the third period as he sniped a shot from the slot over the shoulder of Rob Gunderson, who had replaced Kamal after Tech’s fourth goal.

“We have to continue to build on this and get more wins on the road,” said Pearson. “This was a big two points for us in the WCHA standings.”

Michigan Tech will stay on the road for next weekend’s non-conference series at St. Lawrence. Games are Friday (Nov. 25) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Nov. 26) at 4 p.m.