MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Michigan Tech enters its conference opener with a 2-2-0 record after crushing Alaska at home earlier this month and defeating Clarkson last weekend in Houghton.
Northern Michigan is 1-5-0 after a winless weekend at home against Arizona State.
Although the rivals met in an exhibition game less than a month ago, both head coaches believe they are now much different, even for a short period of time.
“I think our game was a little more cohesive,” NMU head coach Dave Scheiak said. “I think we did a good job there, working hard and putting pressure on the puck. We need to sort out some aspects of our game.”
“They outplayed us in that game,” the Tech head coach said. Joe Shohan said. “They dominated probably the last 25 to 28 minutes of that game. At the end of the day, we made some power plays, we scored some goals on the power play. Their penalty kill is better at this point. It will be better and more experienced.”
Friday will be Dave Shayak’s first rivalry game as NMU’s head coach.
He is looking forward to everything this first installment of the rivalry will bring.
“This is a bragging right for UP. It’s always been that way,” Shayak said. “We’re still getting calls about tickets being sold out and not available. That’s what college hockey is all about, so we’re very excited to start league play against Michigan Tech.”
Shayak and Shouhan go back a long way, so their affinity for each other could become evident this weekend.
“He is a man of character, hardworking, competitive and fiery,” Shohan said.
You can watch Friday’s game on TV6 and Saturday’s game at Houghton on FOX UP.
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