Men’s hockey faces off against NMU next

The men’s hockey team will host their final series of the season this weekend. Fellow conference foe Northern Michigan comes into town. The Wildcats have been on fire as of late, as they are currently on a nine-game undefeated streak going 7-0-2 including a six-game winning streak. The Mavericks will look to break the Wildcats’ winning streak as they are battling for the second spot in the WCHA conference standings.

Northern Michigan is currently tied for sixth place in the WCHA with an 11-17-4 overall record and a 9-12-3 conference record. This season, the Wildcats are averaging 2.31 goals per game while surrendering 2.47 goals per game. As of late, the Wildcats have played lockdown defense. In the past five games, they have outscored their opponents 14-0.

NMU is led offensively by junior forward Robbie Payne and senior forward Dominik Shine. Payne has tallied 25 points so far with 12 goals and 13 assists. Shine is currently at 22 total points with 16 goals and 6 assists. They are anchored by sophomore goalie Atte Tolvanen, who is tied for the NCAA record of five consecutive shutout games.

The Mavericks have had an up-and-down season this year. They split their most recent series against Alaska Anchorage. As the season is winding down, the Mavericks must step it up and catch fire if they want to make the NCAA playoffs. They are currently third in the WCHA standings, close behind Michigan Tech.

This series marks the final regular season home games for six Mavericks. Defensemen Carter Foguth and Sean Flanagan, goalie Cole Huggins, and forwards Zach Stepan, Jordan Nelson and Michael Huntebrinker. This group has been a part of some impressive seasons. Altogether they account for 92 wins, two MacNaughton Cups, two Broadmoor Trophies and two trips to the NCAA postseason.

The games are slated to play at the Verizon Center on Friday and Saturday night at 7:07 p.m.