Jansson scores game winner
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Elias Jansson scored his first collegiate goal to seal a 2-1 overtime win for Michigan Tech over Alaska in the regular season-opener on Friday at John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
“I was proud of the growth that we showed throughout the game and compared to last week,” Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. “Alaska is a tremendously hard-working hockey team. They are always going and never give up.
“We had an outstanding third period. I’m happy with the win but I would’ve been proud of the group win or lose.”
The Huskies got on the board only 15 seconds after faceoff when Max Koskipirtti finished off a rush from Jack Works and Isaac Gordon for the first goal of the season and Koskipirtti’s fifth career goal.
Alaska (0-3) tied it up 14:39 into the second period when Matt Koethe found the back of the net on a quick shot after a faceoff win by Kyle Gaffney.
Tech dominated the third with 10 shots on goal, including two more which found the back of the net but were disallowed. Elias Jansson whacked in a rebound but it was high sticked and immediately waved off.
Marcus Pedersen scored a power play goal on a rebound with 5:28 left in the third, but Alaska challenged the play and the officials called offside.
Tech dominated possession in overtime. Elias Jansson picked up a loose puck after Chase Pietila’s shot was blocked. Jansson calmly moved the puck to his forehand as a defender dove in front and roofed the puck over the goaltender’s blocker for the game-winner. Pietila and Max Koskipirtti assisted on the play.
“Alaska is a tough team and it’s hard to keep the momentum going when you get two goals called back, but we found a way to takeover the third and overtime and get the job done,” Chase Pietila said. “Max and Elias are smart players who take advantage of all the extra ice in overtime.”
The Huskies outshot UAF 28-16. Max Vayrynen earned his third career win with 15 saves, stopping nine shots in the first period, four in the second, and two in the third. Nicholas Grabko had 26 saves for the visitors.
Tech was 4-for-4 on the penalty kill and 0-for-2 on the power play.
The two teams wrap up the non-conference series at 6:07 p.m. on Saturday.
