Brandon Piku gets game-winning goal in the third period
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan hockey team (5-7-0, 3-3-0 CCHA) took down the No. 1 CCHA-ranked Bowling Green Falcons (6-6-0, 4-2-0 CCHA) tonight at the Berry Events Center, finishing the weekend with its first home sweep of the season.
In contrast to last night’s game, the ‘Cats started strong, ending the first period with a commanding 2-0 lead over the Falcons. In the opening 20 minutes, NMU outshot the Falcons by nearly double, tallying 24 shots to BGSU’s 13.
The Falcons would even the score at 2-2 in the second period. Mikey Burchill tacked on a goal midway through the period, helping the ‘Cats regain a 3-2 lead through 40 minutes.
In the third, Brandon Piku deflected a shot in front to extend NMU’s lead to 4-2 with just over four minutes to go. With the net empty and on a power play, the Falcons cut the deficit to 4-3 with 25 seconds left. In a final defensive effort from the ‘Cats, Peter Cisar quickly gained control of the puck and scored an empty-netter in the final second to seal a hard-fought win for NMU.
“We played our game on our toes, we played tough, and that’s a really good hockey team on the other side,” said coach Dave Shyiak. “I am happy for our young group. They are starting to understand that it takes a total team effort, and they showed that tonight.”
NMU recorded 28 shots on goal. The Wildcats were 2-for-3 on the power play, while the Falcons were 0-for-2.
Five Wildcats recorded multi-point nights, with Piku and Cisar each contributing a goal and an assist. Cisar and Ian Engel each recorded a +2 rating to lead NMU. Evan Depatie led the ‘Cats in shots (8), while Mathew Ward led in shots on goal (5).
Guarding the goal again was sophomore goaltender Oliver Auyeung-Ashton, who recorded 22 saves for an .880 save percentage.
The sweep marks the first at home for the Wildcats since taking two games against the Falcons on March 1-2, 2024.
How It Happened
The ‘Cats got off to a fiery start in the first period, with junior forward Medrick Bolduc tipping in a goal off a misdirected pass from the Falcons’ Carson Campbell. This marked the first goal of the season for Bolduc, with assists credited to freshman defenseman Jason Davenport and sophomore defenseman Engel.
In the final minute of the first period, BGSU’s Brayden Crampton drew a hooking penalty, allowing the ‘Cats a power-play opportunity. After an initial attempt from freshman defenseman Depatie was blocked by the Falcons’ goalie, he skated around the back of the net with determination and swatted the loose puck into the goal, marking his first collegiate goal. Depatie’s goal was assisted by senior forward Branden Piku and junior forward Grayden Slipec.
After establishing a 2-0 lead going into the second period, the Falcons stormed back with an answer. Even after a five-minute major penalty put the Falcons shorthanded, Dominik Rymon rocketed the puck cleanly past Auyeung-Ashton, marking their first goal of the night. The Falcons’ Peteris Bulans then scored just three minutes later to tie the game at 2-2.
With the score even, the ‘Cats kept fighting to take back the lead. Burchill charged ahead to score NMU’s third goal, assisted by Cisar and Engel, marking Engel’s second assist of the night.
Entering the third period, Piku led the charge for the Wildcats on a power play. He fired a long-range shot from the blue line that flew past BGSU’s goalie and into the net, adding another goal for NMU. Slipec was credited with the assist.
With time winding down in the third period, the Wildcats drew a high-sticking penalty with 1:26 left, giving BGSU a power-play advantage. The Falcons pulled their goalie in a last-ditch comeback attempt, creating a six-on-four situation. Brody Waters scored for the Falcons, bringing the score to 4-3.
With half a minute left in the game, the ‘Cats formed a defensive blockade around goaltender Auyeung-Ashton to prevent the Falcons from getting another one past him. Cisar suddenly gained control of the puck for the ‘Cats and, with just seconds remaining, shot it into the empty net for a buzzer-beater goal to finish off the game.
Up Next
The Wildcats will return to the ice next Friday, November 20, when they’ll take on the Ferris State Bulldogs for another CCHA conference matchup in Big Rapids, Michigan.
