Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, Mich. - Michigan Tech dropped a 3-2 decision to No. 6 Minnesota Duluth Saturday (Feb. 6) but earned its first Winter Carnival title since 2007 thanks to a 5-4 advantage in total goals on the weekend. Junior forward Eric Kattelus was named Winter Carnival MVP after finishing with one goal and three assists in the series.

“We had a great effort of 60 minutes for the second straight night,” said head coach Jamie Russell. “We stood toe-to-toe with the No. 6 team in the nation.”

Freshman Steven Seigo tallied his first point of the evening by scoring the Huskies first goal of the evening at 9:38 of the first period. Junior Jordan Baker sent a pass across the front of the goal to Seigo for his third goal of the season. Kattelus also assisted on the play.

The same trio were also responsible for Tech’s second goal. Baker scored his eighth goal of the season as his shot was redirected by a Duluth player past Bulldog goalie Kenny Reiter.

Duluth answered with three straight goals that were all attributed to special teams.

Sophomore David Grun tallied the first goal for Duluth on the power play at 11:21 of the second period with assists going to sophomore Scott Kishel and sophomore Travis Oleksuk.

Tech freshman goalie Kevin Genoe made a save on the first shot, but senior Drew Akins poked in the loose puck for the power play goal at 10:26. Junior Justin Fontaine and sophomore Mike Connolly each assisted on the goal.

Duluth would go on to score the game-winner short handed at 12:16 of the final frame. Genoe once again made a save on the first shot but Connolly put home the loose puck.

UMD (18-11-1, 14-7-1) finished the night two-for-seven on the man-advantage compared to just one-for-three for Tech (5-13-1, 4-18-0).

Reiter (10-6-0) finished with 21 saves and two goals against for the Bulldogs.

Genoe (4-15-1), who made a number of solid saves through out the night, finished with 36 saves on 39 shots.

“Genoe was outstanding. He showed good focus and determination.”

Tech will enjoy a week off before playing at Denver Feb. 19-20.