The Saginaw Valley State University hockey team hosted the first-ever Mid-Michigan Meltdown at the Dow Event Center Feb. 14, where they were defeated by the Northwood University Timberwolves 3-0.
Seniors Cam Barlass and Tyler Samson were recognized for their contributions to the team following warm-ups.
Ahead of the Mid-Michigan Meltdown, SVSU faced off against Northwood on Feb. 13 and fell 6-1. Head coach Mel Rettell commented on the loss.
“Their speed gave us some trouble … we weren’t reacting quick enough,” he said. “We’re focusing on that today.”
In the first period, Barlass received a two-minute minor penalty for tripping, giving Northwood the man advantage, which they were unable to capitalize on. SVSU created few scoring chances for themselves, spending much of the frame in the defensive zone. No goals were scored in the first period.
Forward Bryce Garber and defenseman Adam Moule assisted on the first goal of the game, scored by Northwood’s Cameron Duffany at 7:59 into the second period. Northwood scored again with 5:43 remaining in the second period with a goal from forward Lukas Nies assisted by defensemen Leo Crawford and Moule. SVSU received one powerplay opportunity during this period but was unable to score, ending the second down 2-0.
After a back-and-forth period, Northwood’s third and final goal of the game was scored on an empty net by forward Alex Bedenko, assisted by Garber, with 44 seconds remaining in the third period.
Northwood goaltender Mason Matthew recorded a perfect 24-save game with a final score of 3-0. SVSU goaltender Brendan Cobb made 53 saves on 56 shots.
“The effort in tonight’s game was better than the performance we put out for Friday night’s game, but I think everyone in the locker room feels that it’s still not enough,” said SVSU captain Joe Blair. “We need to find a way to score first or make sure that our response to getting scored on is better.”
After the game, the Mid-Michigan Meltdown trophy was presented to Northwood captain Milos Todorovic.
“Watching them lift the Mid-Michigan Meltdown trophy was tough,” stated Blair. “I know that the emotions from that are enough to motivate myself and this team to get them back this weekend.”
“If we can be mentally strong, we have a better opportunity to advance,” said Rettell.
#4 SVSU will face #1 Northwood University in the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League Playoffs Semifinal Friday, Feb. 20 at Team Toledo Ice House. The GLCHL Championship game will be held on Feb. 21 at the same location.
