Michigan Tech forward Max Koskipirtti celebrates after scoring a goal in a game against Ferris State Friday at the Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids, Michigan. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech University)

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Michigan Tech Huskies hockey team swept the Ferris State Bulldogs for the second time this season, defeating the Bulldogs 5-2 on Saturday at Ewigleben Ice Arena. Four freshmen scored for the Huskies, who improved to 10-6-2 overall and 7-3-2 in the CCHA.

“I’m really proud of our team for the win and the discipline we played with,” Huskies coach Bill Muckalt said. “It was really nice to see some freshmen score. It’s a special moment to get your first NCAA goal and something they’ll never forget.”

The Huskies jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Freshman forward Noah Reinhart got the scoring started 3:27 into the game when he slammed in a rebound after a shot by sophomore defenseman Tyler Miller was saved. Sophomore forward Elias Jansson added the second assist on Reinhart’s fourth of the season.

Freshman forward Matthew Van Blaricom added to the lead in the first period, scoring his first NCAA goal. Van Blaricom one-timed it past the blocker after sophomore forward Tom Leppa found him alone in the slot. Freshman forward Carson Birnie earned his first collegiate point with the second assist.

Senior forward Stiven Sardarian added to the lead 4:21 into the second, scoring his team-leading eighth of the season when he finished off a centering feed from captain Isaac Gordon.

Ferris scored two in a row to make it a one-goal game. Valtteri Piironen found the back of the net 1:47 after Michigan Tech took the three-goal lead to get the Bulldogs on the board.

Max Dukovac made it a one-goal game 58 seconds into the third period to keep the momentum in favor of the home team.

Freshman forward Brayden Boehm pushed the Black and Gold lead back to two goals, scoring his fourth of the season. He used his speed to create a chance and then put in his own rebound. Freshman defenseman Kalem Parker and alternate captain Jack Anderson assisted on the goal 9:35 into the third.

The scoring wasn’t done. The Bulldogs were called for their second 5:00 major late in the game, and Birnie sniped in his first NCAA goal with 5.3 seconds left. Freshman forward Reid Daavettila earned the assist with the faceoff win back to Birnie.

Michigan Tech led in shots 30-28. Junior goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz earned his 10th win of the season, and the 21st of his career, with 26 saves. He stopped two breakaways by the Bulldogs. Martin Lundberg had 25 saves for the home team.

Huskies come back for Friday win

The Huskies defeated Ferris State 3-2 on Friday, coming back from a one-goal third-period deficit. Sardarian scored the game-winner.

“It was a tight and physical game. Things weren’t going our way, but we stuck with it and earned it in the end,” Muckalt said. “Give Ferris State credit. They’re a good hockey team, but we had a lot of guys play well, and Stiv delivered for us late, again.”

Ferris State took its second lead of the night 5:46 into the third period with a fluky goal by Tyler Schleppe that deflected across the line.

The Huskies went to work, looking for their first win in four games, outshooting the Bulldogs 9-4 in the third.

Jansson tied the game at 13:36, scoring his third of the season when he found a loose puck in front of the crease and flipped in his 15th career goal. Reinhart and sophomore defenseman Luca Fasciano assisted on the goal.

Sardarian scored on a similar play but a little further out for Michigan Tech’s first lead of the night. Gordon and alternate captain Max Koskipirtti got whacks at the puck before Sardarian sent in his seventh of the season.

The Bulldogs added the extra attacker with 2:10 left. Bartoszkiewicz had to make a pair of saves down the stretch, while Gordon and Anderson each had a block to protect the lead.

The Huskies had three power plays in the first period, and 1:41 of 5-on-3, but neither team found the back of the net in the opening 20 minutes.

Ferris State opened scoring 4:23 into the second period when Jack Silich buried a one-timer in the slot after a pass from the corner off the stick of John Lundy.

Koskipirtti tied the game after scoring his seventh of the season 2:20 after the Bulldogs took the lead. Koskipirtti fired the puck past the glove for his 18th career goal with assists going to Sardarian and Gordon.

The Huskies then thought they took the lead 42 seconds later, after Daavettila jammed the puck across the line, but the play was challenged and waved off for goaltender interference.

Michigan Tech held a 25-24 advantage on shots on goal. Bartoszkiewicz won his ninth game of the season and the 20th of his career with 22 saves. Lundberg also stopped 22 shots on the other end of the ice.

Up next

After a holiday break, the Huskies return to action at the 59th annual Great Lakes Invitational in Grand Rapids. Tech plays in the first semifinal against Miami on Dec. 28. Michigan State and Ferris State meet in the second semifinal.