Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) hockey team secured its first two Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) conference points of the season with a shootout victory over the 16th-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks. The game concluded in a 1-1 tie before NMU clinched the win through a shootout.

The Wildcats, now holding a record of 1-10-1 overall and 0-5-1 in the conference, displayed strong defensive skills against one of the nation's top teams. They earned two critical points on the road before entering their bye-weekend. Meanwhile, the Mavericks stand at 8-4-2 overall and 3-1-2 in conference play.

Will Diamond scored his first career collegiate goal during the third period to level the score. Jakub Altrichter netted his first career collegiate shootout goal, while Ryan Ouellette made all three saves in the shootout along with 26 saves during regulation and overtime. His performance was marked by a .963 save percentage.

Brendan Poshak achieved his first career collegiate point by assisting on Diamond's goal, with Danny Ciccarello providing additional support.

"Ouellette was outstanding," noted CollegeHockeyNews, as he recorded his third-highest single-game save percentage and exceeded expectations by saving 1.5 goals above average.

Grayden Slipec led all skaters with ten shots and four on target while coming close to scoring twice during overtime.

For two consecutive nights, NMU effectively contained a top-tier opponent by killing both penalties and limiting Minnesota State to fewer than 23 shots per game. Over both games, NMU held their opponents to just 50 shots combined—the fewest allowed this season for them—and outshot their rivals in both periods one and three.

In blocking Maverick attempts, NMU maintained its national lead with Zach Michaelis and Anthony Cliche each recording three blocks among ten Wildcats who contributed defensively.

This result broke a four-game losing streak against Minnesota State; previously defeating them via shootout last February also in Mankato.

Following this match-up, NMU will enjoy a break until they face Augustana Vikings on November 29th and 30th in North Dakota.

During gameplay analysis: Hillman initially scored following puck control across neutral zones but ultimately fell short as Wildcats responded successfully despite trailing early on—capitalizing midway through period three thanks largely due to Poshak’s strategic maneuvering resulting ultimately tied outcome prior entering decisive shootouts where Altrichter prevailed ensuring victory alongside Ouellette's crucial saves thwarting Carrabes' final attempt thereby concluding fixture favorably towards Wildcats gaining valuable CCHA standings progression accordingly so forth thereafter ensuing competitive schedule forthcoming thereof respectively onward hereinafter...