Jacob Johnstone scores two including the game winner
HOUGHTON -- Courtesy: MTU
Michigan Tech opened the Mel Pearson era with the program’s first series sweep since 2008 by defeating American International 3-1 tonight in front of 2,990 at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Coupled with their 4-3 win over AIC last night, the Huskies (2-0-0) have their first sweep since Dec. 19-20, 2008, in a home-and-home vs. Northern Michigan.
“We came out with a good first period,” said Pearson. “We didn’t have great jump and energy after that, but (goaltender Josh) Robinson was outstanding in net for us.”
Tech had a 2-1 lead less than eight minutes into the game.
Senior captain Brett Olson opened scoring at the 3:56 mark on a shorthanded breakaway. He finished it with a wrist shot past AIC netminder Ben Meisner.
The Yellow Jackets answered on that same power play as Adam Pleskach walked in from the right goal line and backhanded a shot by Huskies’ goalie Josh Robinson.
Later in the period, Mikael Lickteig skated the length of the ice and split two AIC defenders before getting off a shot. Meisner made the initial save, but Jacob Johnstone was there to tap home the rebound. In addition to Lickteig, Carl Neilsen drew an assist on the play.
Johnstone recorded his second goal of the contest early in the second period after Patrick McCadden’s shot was deflected and found its way to Johnstone all alone in front of Meisner. Johnstone snuck in a shot low on the goalie’s stick side.
The 3-1 score held up through the third period.
Tech finished scoreless on eight power play chances while the Yellow Jackets were 1-of-7.
Robinson finished with 32 saves on 33 shots. Meisner faced 41 shots and stopped 38 of them.
Michigan Tech will remain at home for its next series as it opens WCHA play against Wisconsin. Games are Friday and Saturday (Oct. 14-15) at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena at 7:07 p.m. both nights.
Notes: Michigan Tech is 2-0-0 for the second straight season … Tech’s last two-game home sweep came against Minnesota State on Oct. 19-20, 2007.
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