CAT CHAT:  NMU TAKES GREEN BAY! Pucks Sweep No. 15 Badgers at Resch Center.

 

 

He may play football, but that's a hockey haircut if ever I saw one!

Senior forward Kory Kaunisto.

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. – The Northern Michigan University hockey team earned a sweep over the No. 15-ranked University of Wisconsin with a 4-2 come-from-behind victory for the second night in a row on Saturday (Oct. 13) night from the Resch Center. The Wildcats scored three third-period goals after trailing 2-1.

Former Badger, NMU senior forward Matt Thurber scored the game’s equalizer 12:18 into the third period on the power-play. Senior forward Kory Kaunisto scored the game-winner a minute and seven seconds later and sophomore forward Ryan Daugherty sealed the victory with an empty net goal with 1:08 left.

“I am proud of all of our guys,” NMU coach Walt Kyle said. “We played Wildcat hockey tonight. We knew they were going to come at us hard. We weathered the storm because Jared Coreau was outstanding in the first period.”

Wisconsin (0-2) opened the game’s scoring three minutes in on a goal by Frankie Simonelli. Brendan Woods picked up the only assist on the goal.

Freshman forward Cohen Adair tied the game at one with his second goal of the series late in the second period. Senior defenseman Scott Macaulay and Thurber assisted on the goal.
The Badgers took the lead again 18 seconds into the third period with a goal by Mark Zengerle. Joseph LaBate assisted on the score.

Assisting on Thurber’s game-tying goal was junior defenseman CJ Ludwig and junior forward Erik Higby. It was Thurber’s 12th career goal at NMU.

“I’m really happy for Matt Thurber having the weekend he did against his former team,” said Kyle. “It’s got to feel pretty special for him.”
Macaulay picked up his second assist of the night on Kaunisto’s game-winner and fourth of his career. Daugherty’s empty-netter was his fourth career goal as Higby picked up his second helper of the game.

Junior goaltender Jared Coreau picked up the win with 18 saves, including 11 in the first period. Landon Peterson had 27 saves in his first start between the pipes for Wisconsin.

NMU took three minor penalties for six minutes in the box. The Badgers took five two-minute penalties. The ‘Cats were 1-for-4 on the power play and Wisconsin was 0-for-2.

“Thanks to all the NMU fans at the Resch Center this weekend,” Kyle added. “It was great to see so many Wildcat fans at a great event.” Northern continues non-conference play next weekend with a road trip to Nebraska Omaha.

Game Notes: The last time NMU started the season 2-0 was 2003-04…Thurber has a goal and four assists in four games against his former team…Five players scored NMU’s six goals on the weekend…Attendance was 4,900 at the Resch Center.
BOXSCORE

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