MTU came to play tonight. MTU Travis Seal scored the first goal of the game,
and freshman goaltender Randy Wakeham, in his first appearence as a Huskie,
held the Czech's to only 2 goals over the first period and a half. With the
Czech team up 2-1 at the ten minute mark of the second period, Scott Vettraino
replaced Wakeham in goal. One of the most amusing points in the game came
next as tech was warming up Vettraino, number 14 Jan Kasik of the Czech team
skated down and helped warm up Vettraino, which drew a roar and applause from
the crowd, Kasik bowed and skated back to his goaltender for a high five!
in the 3rd period the Czech's went up 3-1, but Jim Storm brought the Huskies
back to 3-2. The Czech's scored again on a beautiful centering pass from
behind the net to take a 4-2 lead. with about 6 min left John Young beat
goaltender Martin Bilek high to the left side to close the gap to 4-3.
The Czech's called a timeout with 1:20ish remaining, and as soon as MTU had
the puck in the Czech zone, Scott Vettraino headed for the bench for the
extra skater, and with 23 seconds left, Brent Peterson received a nice
centering pass in the right slot and put it away to tie the score at 4.
Not finished yet, the Huskies won the face off and headed down the ice, and
with 3 seconds left, Jim Storm Hammered a 4 foot shot towards the left side of
the net, and as I and a few hundred others stood up to celebrate the winning
goal, Czech goaltender Martin Bilek came sliding out of nowhere with stacked
pads to stone Storm for the 3rd time tonight. He had stopped Storm cold on
2 other breakaways in the game. afterwards, greetings were exchanged and
the Czech's saluted the crowd, who returned the favor.
All in all it was a great game and a good way to start the new year for the
Huskies, down twice by 2 goals they never gave up and the effort resulted
in almost winning the game, and coming up with the tie against a team who
has beaten Minnesota and Wisconsin already in their tour.
The Huskies return to WCHA action next Friday and Saturday on the road
against the Tigers of Colorado College
Talking to Injured junior winger Hugh McEwen tonight was positive, as he is
off crutches and says the leg and hip feel much better, altho still a little
weak. Was good to see him smile about it again!
Bob
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