Tyler Miller scores only Tech goal
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Michigan Tech hockey team fell 5-1 at Alaska on Saturday as the Nanooks earned the non-conference series split. Tyler Miller scored the lone goal for the Huskies.
“We didn’t start on time and dug ourselves a hole,” Tech coach Bill Muckalt said. “We were good in the second half of the first period but couldn’t capitalize on our chances.
“You’re not going to win games giving up five goals in a game, and kudos to their goaltender. We got what we deserved, and you have to give Fairbanks credit. It’s hard to get a sweep on college hockey.”
Alaska (2-4) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second period. Michael Citara scored at the side of the net from Dean Spak and Misha Danylov only 2:04 into the game.
The Nanooks added to the lead 9:18 into the second period, when Peyton Platter scored in front of the crease after Alexander Malinowski worked the puck below the net and sent out a centering feed.
Tyler Miller got the Huskies on the board with eight seconds left in the second period, scoring his second goal of the season. He took a long shot through traffic in the high slot with Stiven Sardarian assisting in his 100th collegiate game.
UAF got its two-goal lead back 5:03 into the third when Beau Courtney put in a rebound in the slot. Dean Spark and Lucas Sorace assisted on the play.
Alexander Malinowski scored on a penalty shot after Tech was called for a player covering the puck in the crease 9:51 into the third.
Davis Borozinskis scored the final goal on the power play with 38 seconds left in the game. Carson Reed and Adam Cardona were credited with the assists.
Alaska led in shots 35-28. Max Vayrynen had 30 saves for the Huskies, and his countryman, Lassi Lehti stopped 27 shots on the other end of the ice for Alaska.
The Huskies were 0-for-2 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.
Tech is now 2-2 and hosts Ferris State next weekend for the home and CCHA-opener. The Huskies and Bulldogs will meet at 7:07 p.m. on Friday and 6:07 p.m. on Saturday at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
There is a Blue Line Luncheon on Friday, and the 1975 NCAA National Championship Team will be honored on the ice Saturday.
