Slipec scores over time winner 3-2
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The NMU hockey team earned a weekend split and a crucial pair of conference points with a 3-2 overtime win over Lake Superior State.
The Wildcats (5-24-1, 4-17-1 CCHA) tied the game twice before scoring the overtime game-winner to earn the weekend split. The Lakers (10-16-2, 8-11-2 CCHA) won the Cappo Cup series 3-1, retaining the in-season tournament trophy for the second straight season.
Grayden Slipec (8-7–15) was the hero in overtime, scoring his second career game-winning goal and first career overtime goal to earn the ‘Cats its first overtime win of the season (NMU is now 1-3-1 after regulation this season). Slipec extends his point streak to three games, and has eight points in his last nine games (6-2–8).
The other two NMU goal-scorers came from the blue line, with Rasmus Larsson (3-0–3) scoring his third goal in four games and Anthony Cliche (4-4–8) extending his point streak to four games with five points in that frame (1-4–5).
Jakub Altrichter (3-14–17) had an exceptional night, picking up the primary assist on the game-tying goal, drawing the penalty to give the ‘Cats an advantage in overtime, and recording the primary assist on the game-winning goal. Both Ryan Duguay (6-2–8) and Jesse Tucker (2-3–5) recorded an assist.
Netminder Ryan Ouellette posted another spectacular night between the pipes, making 42 saves for a .955 SV%, his fourth-highest single-game total of the season. This marks his ninth game with over a .950 SV%, fifth game with 40+ saves, and the second time this season he’s had 40+ saves and a .950+ SV% in the same game (2/8/25 vs LSSU, 42 saves .955 SV%; 12/29/24 vs MSU, 41 saves .953 SV%).
NMU led in blocks 18-13, led by Tynan Ewart and Cliche with four apiece.
The ‘Cats posted its third-consecutive game with 30+ shots on goal, recording 30 on the nose. NMU held an advantage in the faceoff dot again, winning 35 to 27 led by a spectacular night from Tucker (16/22, 72.7%).
The ‘Cats picked up its first win of the season when the opposition scores first (1-22-1), and its first win of the season when trailing after the first period (1-18-1).
NMU now has the upcoming weekend off; it’s next series comes against St. Thomas on February 21 and 22 from The Berry Events Center.
How It Happened
After both teams had a chance on the man advantage and a four-our-four spell, the Lakers scored the game’s opening goal late in the first period. A shot from the point got deflected through traffic, no chance for the netminder Ouellette to make a save.
The ‘Cats equalized just over halfway through the middle frame. Duguay drove down the right wing boards before hitting the brakes and spinning off his defender. Duguay took a look and saw Larsson streaking down the middle on the opposite side point. Larsson moved around his defender to the forehand and fired home a wicked wrist shot over the glove hand of Applebee on the far side.
Lake State regained the lead off a strange goal early in the third period at four-on-four. An initial shot was blocked and everyone thought it went out of play except for Tritt, who found the loose puck and scored without anyone else noticing the puck was still in play.
The ‘Cats tied the game about three minutes later, also at four-on-four. The Lakers clear the puck but Cliche knocks it down at center and makes a play to Altrichter. Altricther gained the zone and drove the middle before kicking a pass to Cliche on the right circle. Cliche stepped into a wrist shot that beat Applebee far on the stick side to tie the game.
Altrichter made a great play to drive the net and draw a penalty in overtime again, and this time the ‘Cats converted on the man-advantage in the extra frame. Altrichter carried the puck atop the circles and drifted toward the left side before sliding a perfect seam pass to Slipec who buried a one-timer from the right circle.
