These stories were written by Michigan Tech Athletics


DULUTH, Minn.---The No. 17-ranked Michigan Tech hockey team suffered a 4-3 loss to No. 6 Minnesota Duluth on Sunday after the Bulldogs scored with 15 seconds left on the clock. The Huskies drop to 0-2 on the season and open WCHA play at Minnesota State next weekend.

"We played much better and competed much harder tonight," Tech coach Mel Pearson said. "If we continually improve like we did from last night to tonight, we'll be fine. We just can't give up 10 goals on a weekend and expect to win."

Reid Sturos scored the first goal of the season for Michigan Tech 3:46 into the game. Mark Auk was patient with the puck and found Sturos wide open between the circles for his 19th career goal.

Tyler Heinonen added to the lead as he corralled a blocked shot and fired it under UMD goaltender Hunter Miska. Dylan Steman and Dane Birks assisted on the goal 8:21 into the first.

UMD (2-0-0) cut into the lead on a Kyle Osterberg goal with only 29 seconds left on the first period clock.

Joel L'Esperance again gave Tech a two-goal lead as he caught a pass from Brent Baltus to the right of Miska. L'Esperance found the upper corner of the net with Birks recording his second assist of the night.

Devin Kero was solid between the pipes for the Huskies in his first career start. He had two big saves on breakaways, the first leading to the Sturos goal early in the game. He then stopped Osterberg 13:27 into the second with his glove and finished the night with 27 saves.

The Bulldogs drew to within one with a power play goal late (17:09) in the second on a 5-on-3 power play. They tied it up 11:35 into the third. The goal was reviewed for a high stick but stood.

Alex Iafallo scored the game-winner with 15 seconds left as Neal Pionk found him wide open in front of Kero for the tip in.

The Huskies pulled Kero in the final moments and got the puck deep in the UMD zone but couldn't get a quality scoring chance.

The Huskies had 21 shots on goal during the game and hit the iron a couple times. Baltus hit the post in the first and Heinonen found it in the second.

Tech was called for seven penalties, including a five-minute major. The Bulldogs were 1-for-7 on the power play. The Huskies were 0-for-6 on the man advantage after six UMD penalties.

The Huskies and Mavericks shared the MacNaughton Cup last season and fittingly open conference play against each other. Puck drop is set for 8:07 p.m. both nights at the Verizon Wireless Center.

"It's going to be a heck of a series down in Mankato next weekend," added Pearson. "Their building is going to be electric on their opening weekend. I know the coaches and players are excited, and we're also excited to get some good practices in this week."

STORY FROM SATURDAY'S GAME FOLLOWS

DULUTH, Minn.---The No. 17-ranked Michigan Tech hockey team suffered a 6-0 loss to No. 6 Minnesota Duluth in the season-opener for both teams Saturday. The Huskies and Bulldogs wrap up the nonconference series Sunday at 5:07 p.m. at Amsoil Arena.

"We were a step behind right from the get go tonight," Tech coach Mel Pearson said. "We just were not sharp, and they played a good game, finished their chances, and had good goaltending.

The Bulldogs scored two goals in the first period, three in the second, and one in the third.

Hunter Miska stopped all 21 of Michigan Tech's shots. Alex Gillies tested him early, blasting a one-timer from right out front after Dylan Steman dug the puck out of the corner 90 seconds into the season.

UMD got on the scoreboard 5:45 into the game after a five-minute major was called on Tech. Parker Mackay tipped in a shot by Neil Pionk. Blake Young added the second goal for the Bulldogs in the first.

Late in the opening frame, a Cliff Watson shot nearly found the back of the net after it deflected off Miska's blocker, bounced in the air, hit the crossbar, and bounced in the crease. Mason Blacklock had a similar shot in the second period that Miska missed with his glove, hitting him in the facemask.

Willie Raskob and Kyle Osterberg scored goals in the second period for the home team.

Devin Kero relieved Tech starter Matt Wintjes between the pipes for his first regular season action of his career. Wintjes had 11 saves in the first period in a half, while Kero finished with 10. Kero slammed the door on Dominic Toninato on a penalty shot with 2:27 left.

Jake Jackson had two scoring changes in the third. He blasted a one-timer wide on the power play and then missed a partial breakaway with 75 seconds left in the game.

Tech was 0-for-4 on the power play while the Bulldogs capitalized on 3-of-6 chances. Tyler Heinonen led the Huskies with four shots on goal.

"We found out where we are tonight," said Pearson. "We have a lot of work to do. It's only one game. We have a long year and a lot of games in front of us. We have to learn from our performance tonight and get better."