This story was produced by Michigan Tech Athletics.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Brent Baltus and Joel L'Esperance scored first-period goals and goaltender Jamie Phillips turned in a 17-save effort to lead the Michigan Tech hockey team to a 2-1 win over Alabama Huntsville Saturday night at the Von Braun Center.

The victory capped Tech's first two-game sweep of the season and upped the Huskies' all-time record vs. UAH to 10-0-0.
 

"That's a big win for our team," said head coach Mel Pearson. "We've done a good job on the road so far this year and we're continuing to get points in tough road buildings. I thought the key tonight was obviously our penalty killing, as we didn't give up much and generated some shorthanded chances of our own.

"Overall you have to be happy with the effort. This is a tough place to play and winning will make the trip back to Houghton a lot more enjoyable."

Two goals in the final 6:02 of the first gave the Huskies a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. Baltus started the scoring when he made a beautiful redirection from the edge of the crease. AsJake Lucchini sent a shot on net from the top of the left circle, Baltus moved his feet to open up to the puck and tipped it off the crossbar and in.

L'Esperance doubled the Tech lead at 17:39 after a persistent effort in front of the net.

With the Huskies skating on a power play, Mark Auk sent a long shot in from the right point. Baltus got a stick on the shot, knocking the puck off UAH goaltender Carmine Guerriero and right to L'Esperance at the side of the net. L'Esperance wacked at the puck three times before finally sending it over the outstretched arms of Guerriero and into the back of the net.

A power-play goal by the Chargers 6:22 into the third made it a one-goal game but strong penalty killing by the Huskies, who had to play shorthanded for nearly 10 straight minutes after back-to-back majors, held UAH to just one tally during the extended stretch with the man-advantage.

Tech controlled the majority of the contest – especially five-on-five – and outshot the Chargers, 30-18, on the night.

Phillips earned his eighth career win against Huntsville and held the Chargers to one goal or less for the fifth time in his last six appearances.

Michigan Tech (5-3-0 overall; 5-3-0 WCHA) returns to the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena next Friday and Saturday (Nov. 13-14) for a two-game set against Bowling Green.