Wisconsin forward Max Martin watches a play develop during a game against Chippewa Friday at the Eagle River Sports Arena in Eagle River, Wis. (Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Windigo)

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. — The Wisconsin Windigo hockey team returned home last weekend and did what they needed to do, sweeping the Chippewa Steel, 3-1 on Friday and 10-2 on Saturday, at the Eagle River Sports Arena.

With the wins, the Windigo improved to 10-7-2-0 on the season, which moved them into second place in the NAHL’s Midwest Division, three points ahead of the Kenai River Brown Bears and just two points behind the Minnesota Wilderness.

The Windigo opened the scoring on Friday night with a goal from defenseman Zephyr Tangri, the first of his career, just 5:19 in. Forwards Everett Pietila and Tyler Grahme picked up assists on the goal.

The Steel tied things up late in the first frame, and the game remained that way until the third period.

Forward Jacob Jastrzebski broke the tie just 2:45 into the third. Forward Adam Timm and defenseman Daniil Dolzhenko assisted on the rebound tally.

Forward Logan Nickolaus then gave the Windigo the lead for good at 11:08, when he one-timed a feed from Houghton native Camden Markham. Forward Zachary Cline also assisted on the goal.

Linards Lipskis made 30 saves on 31 Steel shots to earn the win.

In Saturday’s game, the Windigo jumped out to a 4-0 lead thanks to three power play goals in the opening frame. After defenseman Leo Eperjesi gave the Windigo the lead just 1:02 in with his first of the season, forward Braydon Beahm, Grahme, and forward Max Martin scored in a 7:13 span.

The Steel got one back before the end of the frame.

In the second, the Windigo added three more goals before the Steel found the net for the second time. Tangri scored his second of the weekend, forward Will Schumacher scored his 15th of the season, and defenseman Cashen Naeve all scored in a 7:25 span.

In the third, Markham scored his second of the season 8:22 in off a feed from forward Elliot Gulley. Martin and Grahme closed out the scoring to put the game out of reach with two goals in 53 seconds.

Lipskis made 38 saves to earn the win.

MARTIN LEADS THE LEAGUE

With two goals and four assists Saturday night, Martin moved into the NAHL lead in scoring. He now has 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points in just 19 games.

UP NEXT

The Windigo continue their homestand this weekend when they host the Springfield Jr. Blues for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. at the Eagle River Sports Arena. The Windigo will be celebrating veterans throughout the weekend in honor of Veteran’s Day.