Great Lakes Wire

The NMU hockey team concluded the 2024-25 season with a thrilling victory over Ferris State in a shootout. The game, held at Ewigeleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids, Michigan, was marked by high tension and dramatic moments.

The match was delayed for half an hour due to senior celebrations and a tribute to legendary head coach Bob Daniels. Grayden Slipec scored two power-play goals in the second period, giving the Wildcats a 2-1 lead going into the third period. Ferris State equalized seven minutes into the final frame, but Aidyn Hutchinson quickly restored NMU's lead with less than five minutes remaining.

In a dramatic twist during the last minute and six seconds of regulation, Ferris State tied the game and then took the lead within 22 seconds, leaving NMU trailing with just 44 seconds left. A controversial goal by Danny Ciccarello tied the game for NMU with six seconds on the clock after a successful coaches' challenge confirmed continuous play.

After a scoreless overtime, the game went into an eight-round shootout. Both teams scored in round two, but it wasn't until round eight that Ciccarello secured victory for NMU with a decisive shot through Ferris State's goaltender Ryan Ouellette.

The Wildcats’ performance included notable contributions from Slipec, who recorded his third multi-goal game of the season and ended as team leader in goals and power-play goals. Jakub Altrichter matched Slipec for total points this season. Hutchinson broke his scoring drought with his fourth goal of the season while Tynan Ewart finished first among NMU defensemen in points.

NMU ends their season with strong statistics: they are now 4-2-1 when scoring first and have maintained their unbeaten record in shootouts this season.

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