Mullahy stops a career-high 39 shots
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Michigan Tech scored twice in the third period to come back and tie No. 6 Western Michigan, but the Broncos scored 44 seconds into overtime to advance to the 58th annual Great Lakes Invitational Championship Game.
“It was an enjoyable and fun game between two good hockey teams,” Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. “The sold-out crowd was treated to a really good college hockey game.
“I really thought we were going to eventually win it after we tied it up, but I give Western a lot of credit. They’re a tremendous hockey team. I’m excited about our group and our second half opportunities as we continue to grow as a team.”
The Huskies will play against Northern Michigan in the GLI Third Place Game at 3:37 p.m. Monday at Van Andel Arena to wrap up the tournament. No. 1 Michigan State defeated the Wildcats 2-0 in the second semifinal.
WMU (11-3-1) scored 7:18 into the third period to take a 3-1 lead. The Huskies comeback started from there.
Chase Pietila took a shot from the point that was redirected by Alex Nordstrom, off the back boards, and out front to the other side. Trevor Kukkonen was there to bang in the rebound for his third goal of the season and it was a one-goal game 10:38 into the third.
“Our line put together a couple of good shifts,” Kukkonen said. “I knew the puck was going towards the net, so I was just trying to get myself in a spot for a puck to pop. It went right on my stick. It was awesome.”
Matthew Campbell tied it with 3:58 left in regulation with his second of the season and sixth of his career. Isaac Gordon sent a loose puck into open ice on the other side of the crease and Campbell got it across the line before the goaltender slid over. Elias Jansson added the second assist and Gordon extended his point streak to four games.
Alex Nordstrom had a partial breakaway in the final second of regulation but didn’t get a quality shot off.
Isaac Gordon and Chase Pietila had a 2-on-1 in the overtime but a defenseman layed in front of the pass to negate a scoring chance.
Tim Washe scored the overtime game winner streaking in from the right of the goaltender and scoring over the glove.
The Broncos jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Robby Drazner scored with 3.5 seconds left in the first period to break the ice.
Liam Valente added to the lead with a power play goal 10:30 into the second period.
Elias Jansson found the back of the net with a snipe but the play was whistled dead as it went in due to a hand pass.
The Huskies (9-6-3) got on the board at 18:09 of the scond period when Ryder Matter scored his first collegiate goal from Trevor Kukkonen. The puck was held in at the blue line and Matter held off his defender and roofed the puck over a diving defenseman and the goaltender’s blocker.
“We’re all rooting for each other as teammates,” Kukkonen said. “That was an awesome moment for a good guy who works really hard. I’m really happy for him.”
Owen Michaels gave WMU its two-goal lead 7:18 into the third.
WMU outshot Tech 43-31. Derek Mullahy made a career-high 39 saves for the Huskies. Cameron Rowe stopped 28 shots for the Broncos.
The first day was a sellout at the 58th annual Great Lakes Invitational as 9,900 fans attended day 1 at Van Andel Arena.
