HUNTSVILLE | The University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey team was tripped up in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association series opener against Michigan Tech by a final score of 2-1 on Friday night at the Von Braun Center. UAH dips to 0-9-0 (0-3-0 WCHA), while MTU rises to 2-3-0 (1-0-0 WCHA).
 
Turning Point
-After a scoreless first by both sides, Michigan Tech scored both its goals of the contest early into the second period as Justin Mislak scored at 2:05 and Collin Swoyer made it 2-0 Huskies at 5:20 on the way to the 2-1 win over UAH on Friday.
 
Scoring Breakdown
- Michigan Tech was aggressive early with a total of 19 shots on goal in the first period, but UAH starting goalie Mark Sinclair stopped all 19 chances to keep it scoreless after one period.
- The Huskie pulled ahead in the middle period on goals by Mislak at 2:05 and Swoyer at 5:20.
- UAH made it a one-goal game at 11:03 of the third period, when Brandon Salerno's wrister in front of the crease beat MTU goalie Matt Jurusik to make it a 2-1 UAH deficit. Connor Merkley notched an assist on the play.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Sinclair finished with 38 total saves on the night, including 19 stops in the first period followed by 13 saves in the second.
- UAH held Michigan Tech to zero goals in four power-play opportunities.
- The Chargers recorded 17 shots on goal against the Huskies, led by Cam Knight and Salerno with three shots saved.
- Knight also had a team-high four blocks on the defensive end, headlining a total of 16 blocks made by the Chargers.
 
Noteworthy
- Salerno is now in a two-way tie for the team lead in goals with Jack Jeffers also owning two tallies on the season.
- Merkey's assist was his first of the season.
- Sinclair has 38 saves were his second-most of the season.
 
Next Time Out
- UAH and Michigan Tech wrap up the two-game set on Saturday at 7:07 p.m. at the VBC.