Tech’s Morrell scores game-winner early in overtime
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Logan Morrell scored 20 seconds into overtime to lift Michigan Tech to a 4-3 victory over Northern Michigan in the 58th Great Lakes Invitational Third Place Game Monday at Van Andel Arena. Tech improved to 10-6-2.
“It was similar to our game last night where we were down 3-1 and got two to tie it and go to overtime. Tonight, we were able to get the game-winning goal,” Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. “I’m happy for our guys. It’s good to come here and get a win for our great supporters.”
It was the fourth time the two teams met in the third place game and the Huskies improved to 3-1 in the tournament against the Wildcats. It was the 13th time Tech won the third-place game.
NMU (1-18-1) scored a pair of power play goals in the third period to tie it at three. Tanner Latsch scored on a 5-on-3 power play at 9:10 of the third to make it a one-goal game. Grayden Slipec then tied it with 4:38 left in regulation—again on the power play.
Coach Shawhan started the 3-on-3 period with Logan Morrell, Stiven Sardarian, and Nick Williams. Morrell won the faceoff back to Williams who brought the puck into the offensive zone. Sardarian took a drop pass and faked like he was going around the net but dropped it back to Morrell for an easy tap into the wide-open net.
“It was a great play by Stiven and fitting that he found Morrell who’s been playing so well lately,” Jack Works said. “I’ve seen that pass a lot in practice and in games. Stiven is so creative.”
Tech jumped out to the lead when Matthew Campbell scored for the second game in a row 8:12 into the first period. Jack Works won an offensive zone faceoff and Stiven Sardarian setup the goal—Campbell’s third of the season and seventh of his career.
NMU tied it up with a power play goal at the 14:11 mark of the first when Matthew Argeninta found the back of the net.
Jack Works got Tech the lead back with 43.3 seconds left before intermission when he put in a rebound for his fourth of the season and 22nd of his career. Max Koskipirtti and Stiven Sardarian assisted.
New Michigan Tech goaltender Ryan Manzella entered the game after the first period.
Marcus Pedersen made it a two-goal lead for the Black and Gold 2:44 into the second when he one-timed in a pass to the side of the net from Chase Pietila. Max Koskipirtti added the second assist on Pedersen’s third of the season and ninth of his career.
Shots in the game favored Tech 42-25. Derek Mullahy started between the pipes for the Huskies and made seven saves. Ryan Manzella earned his first collegiate victory—in his first NCAA game—stopping 15 shots over the final two periods.
The Huskies were 1-for-5 on the power play and 1-for-4 on the penalty kill.
Tech improved to 4-0 against the Wildcats this season—which includes a season-opening exhibition game. The teams will play again on Jan. 24-25.
The Huskies now head to Palm Springs, California for the Coachella Valley Cactus Cup. Tech will open against No. 10 UMass Lowell on Friday. Holy Cross and Omaha will meet in the second semifinal.
No. 1 Michigan State defeated No. 4 Western Michigan in the 58th GLI Championship Game 3-1 to capture its 13th tournament title and first since 2009.
GLI All-Tournament Team
F – Alex Bump (Western Michigan)
F – Isaac Howard (Michigan State)
F – Joey Larson (Michigan State)
D – Matthew Campbell (Michigan Tech)
D – Samuel Sjolund (Western Michigan)
G – Luca Di Pasquo (Michigan State) (Tournament MVP)
