Finlandia defenseman Brendan Erickson makes a pass during a game against Northland Tuesday at the Houghton County Arena in Hancock. (Photo courtesy of Finlandia University)

HANCOCK — After earning a 2-1 win in overtime on Tuesday at the Houghton County Arena, the Finlandia Lions men’s hockey team is 2-2 in their last four games. They are starting to build a little confidence after a strong week of practice that led to their win over Northland.

The question on everyone’s mind becomes simple: is this newfound success sustainable?

Coach Joe Burcar believes that good habits in games come from good practices, and the Lions have had some in the past week that make him feel they are turning a corner.

“Our week and a half for practice, the best since I’ve been back,” he said. “The tempo was good from Day One. We got a lot accomplished. There were a couple of days or a few days where we did two-a-days and spent a lot of time, not only on the ice, (but also) team meetings and video. (Tuesday) it paid off.”

In Tuesday’s contest with the Lumberjacks, the Lions took an early lead on a goal from sophomore forward Garrett Alton 9:36 into the contest. The goal was the first of Alton’s collegiate career.

The Lumberjacks evened the game midway through the second period. The middle frame effort level was one that Burcar discussed at length with the team during the ensuing intermission.

“I think the learning curve has been difficult at times for this group,” Burcar said. “It’s taken longer than some, but at the same time it’s to the point where these guys have a quick turnaround now.

“The talk between the second and the third was, here’s what we need to do, this is what happened. We have to change this right now.”

From there, the Lions bounced back with a better effort in the third. The payoff for that effort did not come in that period, but rather just under a minute into overtime.

On a power play that carried over from regulation and saw the Lions have four skaters on the ice to the Lumberjacks’ three, the Lions got to work, looking for the best shot they could create. When a lane finally opened, sophomore defenseman Brendan Erickson wired a puck through that beat Lumberjacks goaltender Viktor Wennberg 59 seconds in.

“It wasn’t a big one-timer,” Burcar said. “It was a simple shot. He looked at the opening. (Nick) Solema was in front of the goal. He had no idea. The goalie, he had no idea, even when it went past him.”

For Erickson, the goal was just his second of the year, but Burcar believes that he has more in him.

“It’s huge for him,” said Burcar. “He’s had to work through some things and get in the lineup and be a regular. He is talented enough. We’ve told him a lot, ‘your talent enough that we could use you on the power play. But, until you do this, this and this, that’s not gonna happen.’ He’s finally earned the right, after some time, to get there and this is what he can do.”

Scouting the Thunder

The Lions have a short turnaround this week, and are set to host the Trine Thunder this weekend. The Thunder come in with a 9-5-1 record overall and a 4-4 record in NCHA play.

Trine has been swept by Aurora, but split with Adrian during their first half of the season. They currently sit third in the conference, but have the Bulldogs nipping at their heels.

The Thunder are led by senior forwards Garrett Hallford and Brendan Prappas. Hallford has team-highs in goals (12) and points (17). Prappas has six goals and 16 points.

Sophomore forward Bobby Price has been a nice addition to their line, racking up a team-high 12 assists and 14 points.

In goal, sophomore Crisian Wong-Ramos has been the busiest netminder, going 6-2-1 in nine appearances. He sports a 2.17 goals against average and a .916 save percentage.

Game times

The Lions and the Thunder will play Friday and Saturday at the Houghton County Arena. Opening faceoff is set for 4 p.m. both days.

Lions women host Wisconsin-Superior

The Lions women’s hockey team is hosting Wisconsin-Superior for a weekend series on Saturday and Sunday. Game time on Saturday is 7 p.m. Sunday’s contest is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.