Montana Tech Hockey Triumphs in "Pink the Rink" Game: Diggers Defeat EWU 8-7 in Overtime and Splits Weekend Series
Montana Tech University (Tech) Hockey had a winning night on and off the ice for their "Pink the Rink" Breast Cancer Awareness Game and collected 3 of a possible 4 points on the weekend.
EWU at Tech, Game 1
Tech beat the visiting Eastern Washington University (EWU) Eagles 8-7 in thrilling overtime (OT) fashion while raising nearly $6,000 to support the St James Cancer Center.
Tech in their special “Pink the Rink” Sweaters (Photo: MT Tech Hockey)
In the First period, Tech would get on the board with a Cade Holland power-play goal, but EWU would answer with an equalizer to tie things at 1-1 to end the opening frame.
In the second, Tech scored its second goal, as Ethan Elam scored his first of the season, but EWU capitalized on some chances and added three more goals to its tally to make it 4-2.
The third frame saw a lot of scoring, with eight goals between the two clubs. Tech came out strong in the third, however, with Dylan Aberle scoring his first ACHA goal just 1:39 into the frame.
“We won the faceoff and once it got to the point Carter dumped it behind the net. I got on the puck and notice only one defender following me so I made a chip pass back to Addison. He threw it out in front and it bounced off a skate to me on the goal line. I banked it off of their tendy’s back and into the net,” said Aberle..He continued “It was an awesome feeling to get that first one in such a close game and eventually pick up the W,” he said.
Sawyer Inman would score his first as a Digger just over 3 minutes later, tying the game. EWU would regain the lead at the 6:50 mark, but it was short-lived with Tech knotting it back up on a goal from Rye Vincent just 27 seconds later - his first of two in the frame. EWU did not quit; however, scoring late led to a 7-7 deadlock at the end of regulation.
Not to be disheartened by the late EWU goal, the Diggers needed less than a minute of overtime to seal the victory in front of the massive home crowd. After separating an EWU player from the puck with a heavy hit behind the net, Vincent fed a pass to Holland in the slot, who made no mistake burying it at the 33-second mark. The goal gave Tech the 8-7 win and completed Holland's hat-trick on the special night.
In goal, Eddie Kazmierczak would get the win making 36 saves on 43 shots.
“I think I did pretty well on the odd man rushes, they definitely had quite a few and I think I stood my ground on them all. They were a physical team and liked to talk but I just did my best to zone it out,” said Kazmierczak.
Inman, was thrilled with not only a big win but also for the shot to play and raise money on Pink the Rink. .
“I’m glad that we could play for such a good cause and that we could have so much support and raise so much money for the fight against cancer, said Inman.
Ceremonial Puck Drop for “Pink the Rink” Night
(Photo: MT Tech Hockey)
EWU at Tech, Game 2
Game two of the weekend series would follow a course of excitement. The game would finish in a shootout, and EWU would split the series with a 3-2 shootout win.
Unlike the night before, game two on Saturday was a defensive slugfest. Both sides were held off the scoreboard in the first period, which saw a 0-0 score. Rye Vincent would follow up his multi-point night with the second period's lone goal just 25 seconds in.
Vincent scored his second goal in the third, but EWU netted two unanswered scores to tie things at two all. After an OT period, the game headed to a shootout. EWU scored on both their shootout attempts and Tech was stopped in their two attempts at goal.
Tech goalie, Brecken Kasse would make 61 saves after facing 63 shots in the game across regulation and in overtime.
Up Next
Tech will host Utah Valley University in their next series on October 31st and November 1st. The puck drops on Halloween, Thursday, October 31st, at 6 PM, and you will want to attend this exciting matchup. To celebrate the occasion, wear your favorite costume for FREE admission and a chance to win fantastic prizes during our intermission costume contest. Ticket prices are just $10 for general admission, $5 for Montana Technological University students with a Digger Card, and kids under ten get in for free.
