MARQUETTE, Mich. | The University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey team opened the two-game WCHA series at Northern Michigan with a 3-0 loss on Friday night at the Berry Events Center. UAH slips to 6-18-5 (4-14-5 WCHA), while NMU improves to 14-11-6 (11-8-4 WCHA).

Northern Michigan controlled the first period of play on Friday, jumping out to a 3-0 lead through 20 minutes of play with goals by Dominik Shine at 4:20, Anthony Paskaruk at 10:52 and Robbie Payne at 12:30 of the opening frame.

UAH starting goaltender Matt Larose saw a bevy of shots in the first period, making a game-high 20 saves despite three goals allowed in the initial stanza.

The Chargers were able to lead the shot on goal count in the second with 10 shots on target compared to the Wildcats two. UAH had a pair of chances in the second period as NMU had two penalties called, but the Chargers went scoreless in both opportunities which kept the hosts ahead 3-0.

Both squads again went scoreless in the final 20 minutes of play, with Larose notching six saves in the third – totaling 28 on the night – and the offense providing four shots on goal for a total of 19 in the contest. NMU goalie Mathias Dahlstrom earned the shutout after stopping all of the Chargers 19 shots on goal.

Larose's record dips to 4-6-3 on the season, giving him a record of 3-2-3 in his last eight starts between the pipes.

Junior Matt Salhany led the Chargers offense with three shots on goal in the loss, while Cody Champagne, Madison Dunn and Hans Gorowsky each had two shots saved.

UAH and NMU will wrap up the two-game set tomorrow night at the Berry Events Center. Puck drops at 6:07 p.m. CST for the series finale.