This story was written by NMU Sports Information

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The NMU hockey team opened 2025 with a win, downing the No. 12 Minnesota State Mavericks 3-2 on home ice.

The Wildcats (2-18-1, 1-11-1 CCHA) snapped an eight-game losing streak, picking up its first conference points since defeating the Mavericks in a shootout in Mankato.

The Mavericks (14-5-2, 9-2-2 CCHA) dropped its first game since the shootout loss to the 'Cats, snapping a six-game win streak, an eleven-game stretch without a loss, and a ten-game unbeaten streak against NMU. 

"We really needed it, and it's a new start to the second half," commented head coach Dave Shyiak in his post-game press conference. "As well as we played in the GLI, we just needed to get over the hump and find out what it feels like to win a hockey game… We had to will our way to get a win, and I'm proud of our guys."

Ryan Duguay (4-1--5) notched his first career hat-trick, including two on the power play and the game-winning goal halfway through the final period, fueling the Wildcats across the line. This marks the first Wildcat hat trick since Artem Shlaine on November 10, 2023, and the first time a Maverick opponent has notched three since Jimmy Snuggerud on October 7, 2022.

"It was special," added Duguay, commenting on his first-career collegiate hat-trick. "I owe it all to my linemates, they did a great job of finding me and it just felt like the puck was following me today, which is always a good thing to have."

Jakub Altrichter (0-8--8) and Aidyn Hutchinson (3-3--6) each added two assists, and Tynan Ewart (1-7--8) and Matthew Argentina (1-1--2) both added an assist of their own.

Ryan Ouellette made 25 saves on the evening, posting a .926 SV%.

The Wildcat special teams were critical to the success on the night. The 'Cats were 2/3 (66.7%) on the man advantage and 5/6 (83.3%) on the penalty kill, including successfully killing an extended five-on-three MSU powerplay in the third period. 

"It was a gutsy effort from everyone tonight," added Duguay, who saw his team block a season-high 34 shots, including six each from Danny Ciccarello, Anthony Cliche, and Ewart. "We had guys sacrificing all over the ice tonight, and scoring three definitely helps."

The 'Cats now look ahead to the opportunity to open the new year with a sweep, as these two teams return to the Berry Events Center for a 6:07 p.m. puck drop on Saturday, January 11.