Bartoszkiewicz makes 26 saves
OUGHTON, Mich. – Max Koskipirtti scored 95 seconds into overtime to lift the Michigan Tech hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Bemidji State on Saturday at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The Huskies improved to 8-3-1 overall and remain undefeated in the CCHA at 5-0-1.
“It was two really good teams, fighting, clawing, and battling tonight,” Tech coach Bill Muckalt said. “It was a one-shot hockey game. They got it last night in a shootout, and we got it tonight in overtime. I’m really proud of our effort up and down the lineup.”
In the extra session, Coach Muckalt started Max Koskipirtti, Carson Latimer, and Tyler Miller. The Huskies had a scoring chance saved by BSU goaltender Max Hildebrand as he was sliding over the line early in the frame. Tech challenged the play to see if it went across the line, but also to give the three speedy players a rest.
The players responded. Carson Latimer carried the puck through the neutral zone and attracted defenders. He dumped it over to a wide-open Max Koskipirtti, and he fired it past the goaltender’s glove for his sixth goal of the season and 17th of his career. Tyler Miller added the second assist.
“Lats had a lot of speed and all of their guys went on him,” Koskipirtti said. “I was wide open in the slot. He made a good play, and I took a shot. It went in.
“It’s a big win. Bemidji’s a top team in this conference. We had a bit of a slow start, but we improved our game and had a good second and third.”
The Beavers (7-5-3, 5-1-2 CCHA) opened the game’s scoring 11:01 into the game when Reilly Funk took a sharp-angled shot that bounced in and out in an instant. The officials reviewed the play but stood by their call. Max Namestnikov and Ryan Henderson assisted on the play.
Tech tied it in the second period when Stiven Sardarian extended his point streak to 11 games with his fourth goal of the season. He drove to the net and jammed the puck in at the 9:46 mark with the assist going to Joe Prouty.
Neither team scored in the third. Owen Bartoszkiewicz had to make a huge diving save late in the third after a Tech stick broke and the Beavers had an odd man rush.
Shots favored BSU 27-23. Owen Bartoszkiewicz earned his eighth win of the season and the 19th of his career with 26 saves. Max Hildebrand stopped 21 shots on the other end of the ice.
Both teams went scoreless on the power play, with Tech having five opportunities and the Beavers three.
Tech travels to No. 16 Minnesota State next week for the first CCHA road series.
