This story was written by NMU Sports Information

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The NMU hockey team earned a weekend split and a crucial pair of conference points with a 3-2 overtime win over Lake Superior State.

The Wildcats (5-24-1, 4-17-1 CCHA) tied the game twice before scoring the overtime game-winner to earn the weekend split. The Lakers (10-16-2, 8-11-2 CCHA) won the Cappo Cup series 3-1, retaining the in-season tournament trophy for the second straight season.

Grayden Slipec (8-7--15) was the hero in overtime, scoring his second career game-winning goal and first career overtime goal to earn the 'Cats its first overtime win of the season (NMU is now 1-3-1 after regulation this season). Slipec extends his point streak to three games, and has eight points in his last nine games (6-2--8).

The other two NMU goal-scorers came from the blue line, with Rasmus Larsson (3-0--3) scoring his third goal in four games and Anthony Cliche (4-4--8) extending his point streak to four games with five points in that frame (1-4--5).

Jakub Altrichter (3-14--17) had an exceptional night, picking up the primary assist on the game-tying goal, drawing the penalty to give the 'Cats an advantage in overtime, and recording the primary assist on the game-winning goal. Both Ryan Duguay (6-2--8) and Jesse Tucker (2-3--5) recorded an assist.

Netminder Ryan Ouellette posted another spectacular night between the pipes, making 42 saves for a .955 SV%, his fourth-highest single-game total of the season. This marks his ninth game with over a .950 SV%, fifth game with 40+ saves, and the second time this season he's had 40+ saves and a .950+ SV% in the same game (2/8/25 vs LSSU, 42 saves .955 SV%; 12/29/24 vs MSU, 41 saves .953 SV%).

NMU led in blocks 18-13, led by Tynan Ewart and Cliche with four apiece. 

The 'Cats posted its third-consecutive game with 30+ shots on goal, recording 30 on the nose. NMU held an advantage in the faceoff dot again, winning 35 to 27 led by a spectacular night from Tucker (16/22, 72.7%). 

The 'Cats picked up its first win of the season when the opposition scores first (1-22-1), and its first win of the season when trailing after the first period (1-18-1).

NMU now has the upcoming weekend off; it's next series comes against St. Thomas on February 21 and 22 from The Berry Events Center.