Tech Completes Road Sweep against Idaho State

Montana Tech University Hockey earned both their first official ACHA win since 2019, and first series sweep of the season last weekend against Idaho State University in Hailey, Idaho. The teams met this past spring in a pair of exhibition games, where Tech swept the series as well. 

Game 1 at ISU

Montana Tech University (Tech) had a strong start for the first time in 5 games, scoring first with an early goal in the first (18:14) from Colin Mccarthy. ISU would score an equalizer shortly before the halfway mark (9:55), but Tech would answer 40 seconds later on a goal by Chris Collings (10:35). Riley Kelly would double Texhs lead with 5:34 remaining, heading into the first intermission leading 3 - 1.

In the second period, Tech’s attack kept firing and blasted three goals past the ISU net minder, including McCarthy's second of the night (17:27),  Mike McKay (7:35), and Kelly's second of the night (1:52).  Again, through challenging defensive play, Tech stifled any attack from ISU and held them to just one goal in the period. 

It wouldn't take McCarthy long to cap his hat-trick, three-goal performance of the game with a goal at 18:50 in period one. ISU would add just their third goal in the match before  Rye Vincent book-end the period with a goal late in the third to seal the 8-3 Tech win. 

Brecken Kasse earned the win on the net with a 24-save performance. All of McCarthy's 3 goals came within 3 minutes of the start of the period. 

McKay celebrates with teammates after a goal (Bno Photos)

Game 2 at ISU

In game two, ISU got on the board first midway through the first period after a string of Tech penalties. However, Tech responded with two late goals, the first from Vincent at 1:51 and McKay at 1:02. 

In the second, the Tech defense buckled down and held ISU off the board while adding two more goals of their own from Cade Holland (3:24). McKay notch another goal at 2:53 to give the Diggers a 4-1 lead after two. 

ISU came out swinging in the third period with a surge of offensive play, scoring early in the last period at 17:48. Tech answered with their lone third-period goal from Kelly. ISU would score two more unanswered goals at 16:41 and then another at the end of the game, with 8 seconds remaining. 

Tech would hold on for a 5-4 win and the series sweep. Kasse would pick up another win in goal, stopping 21 shots. 

“I feel like we had more confidence going into those two games. Our energy felt a lot higher and the boys were fired up. We did well in creating scoring chances and capitalizing on those opportunities,” McKay said…he continued, “What really clicked in the game for me was that we’re getting better as a team every time we get on the ice. Our chemistry is always improving and will continue to improve throughout the season.

Weekend Takeaways

McCarthy proved to be a powerhouse on the weekend, tallying four goals—his lone goal on Saturday was the game-winner. Techs' offensive prowess was displayed this weekend, scoring 12 goals over two games. 

Up Next

Tech will return to Butte for their home opener against Williston State on October 10th at the Butte Community Ice Center.