Jan. 4, 2008

Stats

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst gave No. 20 Michigan Tech all it could handle before bowing 3-2 to the Huskies Friday night at the Ice Center, Although Tech never trailed, the Huskies (8-9-2) could never shake the Lakers (5-12-2) who got 35 saves from junior netminder Matt Lundin. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Mercyhurst.

Tech, the first member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) to visit the Ice Center, drew first blood at 16:09 of the first when senior forward Tyler Shelast collected his 10th goal of the season. Mercyhurst retaliated quickly when senior Ben Cottreau cashed his 6th of the year. The Lakers' co-captain was assisted by freshman linemate Brandon Coccimiglio. The Huskies had a 14-9 shot advantage in a fast-paced opening period, which produced only one minor penalty.

Tech regained the lead at 7:21 of the second when senior Peter Rouleau solved Lundin on a rebound with the Huskies up a man. Mercyhurst knotted the game for the last time two-and-a-half minutes later when sophomore Cody Collins ended a long dry spell with a power play marker, his first goal of the year. Freshman winger Steve Cameron and freshman defenseman Jeff Terminesi helped. Tech scored what proved to be the final goal of the contest when junior forward Alex Gagne hit the back of the net at 13:45. The Lakers, without a penalty in the opening period, were whistled for six minors in the second and were outshot 18-4. Mercyhurst played down two men for 1:44 late in the period, but the Huskies couldn't expand their advantage.

Power plays dominated the third but neither team could capitalize as the Lakers failed in three chances and Tech was denied twice. Mercyhurst pulled Lundin late in the game for an extra attacker and had several excellent chances, but couldn't get the equalizer.

Tech junior netminder Rob Nolan faced 22 shots and turned aside 20. Tech was 1 for 7 with the man advantage while the Lakers finished 1 for 5.

Mercyhurst's output equaled the goals Tech allowed last weekend in Detroit when it defeated No. 5 Michigan State 4-1 and lost 1-0 in double overtime to No. 1 Michigan. Tech now leads the all-time series 2-1.

The two teams will conclude the weekend set tomorrow night at 7:05. After Tech, Mercyhurst will have nothing but conference games left beginning the following weekend when Army visits Friday and Saturday.