This story, photo is courtesy of NMU Sports Information
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan hockey team held a 1-0 lead halfway through the third period on Friday night at the Berry Events Center, but a late goal and another in overtime from the Colorado College Tigers gave them the 2-1 edge over the Wildcats.
Getting his second straight start in net, freshman goaltender Oliver Auyeung-Ashton was stellar, turning aside 43 of the 45 shots he faced for a .956 save percentage. The native of Coquitlam, British Columbia, now holds a 1.70 GAA and .960 SV% in his three appearances this season.
Medrick Bolduc picked up the lone tally for Northern in the first period with 8:45 to play, his second goal of the season, assisted by Jakub Altrichter. The Tigers evened the score with 9:25 left in the third on a goal from Klavs Veinbergs, with Seth Constance and Ryan Koering earning the assists. Koering then notched the game-winner in overtime, going end-to-end and burying his own rebound in front of the net.
The Wildcats were outshot 45-17 on the night. Northern was hit with four penalties, while the Tigers were called for three. Neither side was able to capitalize on the power play.
"It was a winnable game and we've talked about the growing pains we are going to have to go through," said head coach Dave Shyiak after the game. "Our physical play was good and we had segments where we had them pinned down… but we need more of it."
NMU was led in shots on goal by Bolduc with five, while no other Wildcat recorded more than two.
Brayden Schuurman paced the Tigers with six shots on net. NMU held a sizable 27-11 advantage in blocked shots.
With less than 10 minutes to go, the Tigers finally broke through on a goal from Klavs Veinbergs. The Tigers dominated possession after that, looking to grab the win in regulation, but Auyeung-Ashton and NMU's defense held off the attack to force overtime. Skating 3-on-3 in the extra session, each team had a couple of chances in the opening two minutes.
With two minutes left, NMU faced a delayed penalty for too many men, and CC's Ryan Koering went end-to-end, collected his own rebound, and went top shelf for the game-winner at 1:51.
