Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) hockey team concluded its opening series of 2025 with a 6-1 loss against the No. 12 ranked Minnesota State Mavericks in Marquette, Michigan.

Ryan Duguay continued his strong performance by intercepting a pass and scoring his fourth goal of the weekend, leading the team with five goals this season. Starting goalie Ryan Ouellette was replaced after allowing three goals from nine shots in nearly 13 minutes. Ethan Barwick stepped in, saving 20 out of 23 shots faced.

Josh Groll led the Mavericks with a goal and two assists, while Evan Murr and Steven Bellini each contributed a goal and an assist. Alex Tracy made 21 saves for the Mavericks.

The game was marked by physical play, resulting in a combined total of 67 penalty minutes between both teams, including three misconduct penalties lasting ten minutes each. This was the highest number of penalties since January 20, 2024.

Despite having six power play opportunities compared to the Mavericks' three, NMU could not capitalize on them. Minnesota State converted three out of four power plays while successfully killing all six NMU chances.

Looking ahead, NMU will travel to Minnesota to face off against Bemidji State Beavers at Sanford Center on January 17 and January 18.

In the game's progression, NMU started strong offensively but conceded first when Josh Groll assisted Bohlsen for a goal at the 5:02 mark. A tripping penalty later allowed Mankato's Carrabes to score on a power play past Ouellette. Following another Mankato goal by Groll, Barwick took over as goaltender for NMU at 6:12 into the period.

Mankato extended their lead with another power-play goal by Murr before ending the first period up by four goals. They added two more goals early in the second period before Duguay scored for NMU by beating Tracy under the glove.

Ryan Duguay managed to get NMU on the scoreboard with his fourth goal of the series.