Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, Mich. - Michigan Tech scored a pair of goals less than one minute into regulation en route to a 3-1 win over Ryerson in an exhibition game Saturday (Oct. 3) at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Freshmen Aaron Pietila and Evan Witt each recorded one goal and one assist on the evening to pace the Huskies.

“Tonight was a great way to start the season,” said head coach Jamie Russell. “The first two shifts we scored two goals and got the building rocking. I thought we let our foot off the gas and got a little sloppy and weren’t thorough in some of the things we did. With a young team we have to learn that when you get a team down on the mat you have to go for the kill.”

Senior captain Malcolm Gwilliam put the Huskies on the scoreboard first with his even strength goal 19 seconds into the game. Tech sent a flurry of shots at the Ryerson goal. Rams goalie Paul Gibson was taken out of the play after sophomore Alex MacLeod was driven into Gibson by a Ram defender. Junior Deron Cousens and sophomore Brett Olson both picked up assists on the goal. Gibson, who was shaken up on the play was replaced by Louis George.

A trio of freshman were responsible for Tech’s second goal of the evening 47 seconds into the game. Pietila’s goal was attributed by a pair of nice passes from Evan Witt and Milos Gordic.

Andrew Buck broke up the Tech shutout with a goal at 2:31 of the second period. Sophomore Josh Robinson made a save on the initial shot by Buck but was unable to save the rebound. Kevin Krasnowski and Alexei Dostoinov were each credited with an assist on the goal.

Witt scored his first goal in a Tech jersey thanks to an assist by Pietila at 12:34 of the third period.

Ryerson pulled George in favor of the extra skater for over one minute of play but were unable to find the net as Tech skated away with the 3-1 win.

Josh Robinson picked up the win thanks to 27 saves on 28 shots.

“I thought Josh Robinson was terrific. He had a great game for us, and answered some questions. Some people had doubts about Josh, and boy he stepped up. I think that bodes very well for us in our future.”

George picked up the loss making 25 saves. Gibson made one save on the night as well.

Tech finished with a slim 29-28 advantage in shots and both teams were whistled for 10 penalties for a total of 20 minutes.

Tech will host rival Northern Michigan Oct. 9 in the regular season opener for both schools.