Augustana and Michigan Tech tie 2-2 in CCHA opener
Augustana secured one league point while Michigan Tech claimed two after winning the exhibition shootout in Houghton, Mich.
By Talia Bennett ·
Augustana University’s hockey team ended its season opening against Michigan Tech in a 2-2 draw on Friday night at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The result left the No. 8/9 ranked Vikings with one point in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings, while the No. 14/15 ranked Huskies earned two points after prevailing in the post-game exhibition shootout.
The game featured a tight defensive battle, with both goaltenders recording 24 saves. Augustana’s Mathis Langevin and Michigan Tech’s Owen Bartoszkiewicz each stopped 24 shots, neutralizing offensive pressure from their respective lines. The scoring action was split evenly, with both teams finding the net twice during the regulation periods.
Senior defenseman Owen Baumgartner paced the Vikings with two assists. Joey DelGreco opened the scoring at 9:23 in the first period, finding the back of the net on passes from Baumgartner and Easton Young. Michigan Tech responded immediately as the first period ended. Teydon Trembecky buried a rebound off a deflected shot by Max Koskipirtti to tie the game at 1-1.
The second period saw no goals, but the third period brought momentum shifts. Leo Bulgakov scored his ninth goal in nine games on the power play just 23 seconds into the frame, giving Augustana a 2-1 lead. Baumgartner and Siamion Marshchanok recorded assists on the play. Michigan Tech answered at the 2:38 mark when Luke Shipley scored to restore parity at 2-2.
Augustana controlled the face-off circle throughout the contest, winning 35 of 68 draws for a success rate of 68.6%. DelGreco won nine of 11 face-offs, while Jacob Jastrzebski converted nine of 13 attempts. Marshchanok added five successful draws out of six opportunities. The Vikings also combined for 15 blocked shots, limiting second-chance chances for the Huskies.
The teams will meet again for the series finale on Saturday at 5:07 p.m. CT in Houghton. The matchup continues the two-game series that opened the regular season for both programs.
Baumgartner recorded six shots on goal, the most on the team. The Vikings outshot the Huskies in overtime, holding a 4-1 advantage in shots during the extra time period.
