Click the AUDIO buttons to hear post-game interviews with Will Murvich and Nate Scullon. (Breitung Township Schools photos)
IRON MOUNTAIN---Nothing to lose.
That was the mindset Tuesday night for the Kingsford High School hockey team as the Flivvers hosted the state-ranked Marquette Sentinels.
But strange things sometimes happen on the ice across the Upper Peninsula, and the Flivvers shocked the world with a 2-1 victory over the Sentinels at the Mountain View Ice Arena.
Will Murvich had the go-ahead goal on the power play midway through the third period, and goaltender Nate Scullon stopped 41 of 42 shots to lift the Flivvers in the upset.
“We haven't beaten Marquette since when my brother was playing, and that was 2018,” Murvich said. “So, kind of going out there and showing Marquette and teams like that, you know, we're a good team and we can play against these good teams just like anybody else.”
“I mean, going into it, everyone was thinking we were gonna lose,” Scullon said. “So, I just went into it thinking I was gonna give it my all and see what happens. I was just ecstatic that we were up against Marquette (after Murvich's goal), and I just wanted to play may heart out as long as I could after that.”
Trey Savola scored his third goal of the season late in the first period to give Marquette the lead, but Casey Clisch scored the equalizer for the Flivvers in the second period. That sent the game into the third period tied, before Murvich found the back of the net at the 9:24 mark on the power play to put Kingsford in front.
“We just set up on the power play and we had our guy shooting on top,” Murvich said. “I just stood in front of the net. Their guy ate one of the pucks. I dropped down, snatched it up from underneath him, and the rest is history.”
And from there, it was on Scullon to hold down the fort for the final seven minutes, including at the end, when the Sentinels pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker.
“I just thought it was like any other play on the ice,” Scullon said. “They're gonna try to score. Just this time, they've got an extra player out there.”
Parker Nevenhoven stopped 20 of the 22 shots he faced for the Sentinels, who could not build on their wins over Escanaba and Saginaw Heritage last weekend, Marquette's record fell to 9-4-2 on the season.
For the Flivvers, it was an emotional win that follows weekend wins over Antigo (Wis.) and Fenton-Linden, also on home ice. The Flivvers improved to 6-4-0 on the season.
Scullon says his teammates kept many of those 42 shots where he could handle them.
“I only got screened like maybe one time, and I got lucky, it went right into my glove,” Scullon said. “I think this is a huge turning point for our team. A huge confidence builder for us.”
“We came out here, kind of expecting a loss, you know,” Murvich said. “But seeing him step up and show everybody that we're a good team, and we have a good goalie, go out there, and make some great saves, it's just great. I love to see that for our team.”
“It's a great morale booster. Kind of showing that we can play with these great teams. We came out and scored two goals against a great team and only gave up one. That showed us that we can play with anybody. It's a great feeling.”
Kingsford returns to the ice at a tournament in Rhinelander, Wis, on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. Marquette will return to action on Jan. 2 at home against Negaunee.
