GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Michigan Tech Huskies hockey team advanced to the 59th annual Great Lakes Invitational Championship Game by defeating Miami, 5-2, in the first semifinal on Sunday at Van Andel Arena.

Senior forward Stiven Sardarian had three points, and five different Huskies found the back of the net as Michigan Tech improved to 11-6-2 overall.

The Huskies played No. 3 Michigan State in the title game. The defending champions defeated Ferris State 5-2 in the late semifinal. The game was a rematch of the 2023 GLI Championship, which the Huskies won in a shootout after a 3-3 tie.

“Really, it was a 3-2 game,” Huskies coach Bill Muckalt said. “Their goalie was awesome on some really quality looks we had.

“These games are really important for us if we have any aspirations to be in the national tournament. The history of this tournament is a big deal for our team. This is a tournament that can springboard your team into the second half of the season.”

Miami (10-7-2 overall) opened scoring 9:47 into the game when Michael Quinn took a shot from the high slot through traffic that found its way in. Ryan Smith and Vladislav Lukashevich assisted on the play.

Alternate captain Joe Prouty tied the game, scoring his first as a Husky at 15:47. He put in his own rebound with assists going to Sardarian and captain Isaac Gordon.

Michigan Tech took the lead 2:05 into the second period when freshman forward Carson Birnie finished off a centering feed from sophomore forward Tom Leppa. It was Birnie’s second goal of the season, coming in each of the last two games.

The RedHawks tied it at three 3:17 later on a goal by Ryan Smith.

It was all Black and Gold from there. Alternate captain Jack Anderson scored the eventual game-winner as he finished off a passing play from Sardarian and freshman forward Reid Daavettila at 9:47 of the second. For Anderson, it was his second goal of the season, and Sardarian recorded his nation-leading 20th assist.

“I’ve been hearing that this is one of the best experiences we’ll have this year,” said Anderson. “It was a great atmosphere to play in.”

Sardarian and Leppa added empty net goals for the final tallies. Sardarian’s was a full-length of the ice goal from alternate captain Max Koskipirtti for his ninth of the season. Leppa’s was unassisted and his third of the season.

“I love this playing for Tech,” Sardarian said. “We have the best fans. I’m just enjoying my last year. I love my teammates and coaches. This is the best time of our lives, so I’m just enjoying it.”

Shots favored the Huskies 33-28. Junior goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz made 26 saves for his 11th win of the season and the 21st of his career. Matteo Drobac stopped 28 shots on the other side of the ice.

The Huskies were 4-for-4 on the penalty kill and 0-for-2 on the power play.