Michigan
22-7-2, 17-5-2CCHA
Northern Michigan
19-9-3, 14-6-3CCHA
Wolverines Battle Northern Michigan to 1-1 Deadlock
2/18/2000 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Michigan (22-7-2, 17-5-2 CCHA) made the most of its power-play chances in the first period as the Wolverines managed four shots and a goal with a man advantage. On its second power play of the game, Michigan cycled the puck in the zone until Sean Peach (Langley, B.C.) and John Shouneyia (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) fed Josh Langfeld (Coon Rapids, Minn.) on the left side of the net for his eighth goal of the season.
Northern Michigan (19-9-3, 14-6-3 CCHA) took control of the play in the second period, outshooting the Wolverines 12-7. The Wildcats managed four shots while on the power play, but Josh Blackburn (Choctaw, Okla.) stopped them all to keep Northern Michigan off the board.
Heading into the third with a 1-0 lead, Michigan kept the pressure on until Northern Michigan forced overtime with a goal late in the third. J.P. Vigier scored on a power play to tie the game at 1-1 with 2:44 remaining.
Michigan was given a break when a two-minute bench minor was called on Northern Michigan after over 100 plastic noise-makers were thrown on the ice following the goal. Despite several chances, including a shot by Andy Hilbert (Howell, Mich.) from the top of the crease that went wide, Michigan was unable to put the game away in regulation.
Blackburn and NMU's Dan Ragusett were both solid in goal, allowing one power-play goal apiece. Blackburn turned away 34 shots, while Ragusett made 29 saves.
The tie is the just the second for the Wolverines this season in four overtime games. With one point earned, the Wolverines remain in first place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association by three points over Michigan State, a 3-1 winner over Alaska-Fairbanks on Friday.
Michigan and Northern Michigan battle again tomorrow night (Saturday, Feb. 19) with a 7:05 p.m. game at the Berry Events Center in Marquette, Mich.
Contact: Jason Gerdom (734) 763-4423
