Calumet, Houghton to Meet in MacInnes Finale – Saturday Sports Wrap

High School

Houghton and Calumet will play for the title in the annual MacInnes Holiday Classic high school hockey tournament this afternoon, following convincing opening-round wins last night.

The Gremlins dismantled Jeffers 9-1, in a mercy-rule game that ended 5:44 into the third period. Houghton raced out to a 4-0 first period lead, with two goals from Houghton’s Gaborik Carlson, and one each from Brandon Norkol and Tucker Tapani. The Jets scored in the second period on a penalty shot by Matthew Halonen, but the Gremlins extended their lead with Tapani’s second goal of the night, and tallies by Nathan Erva and Niko Rajala. Third-period goals by Carson Stevens and Milo Schaefer put the game away early for Houghton. Matthew Ryynanen needed to make just six saves in net for the Gremlins. Noah Nettel made 26 saves for Jeffers.

Alex Studebaker earned his 12th career shutout for Calumet, extending his school record as the Copper Kings blanked Hancock 7-0. Tanner Rowe scored the only goal Calumet really needed on a power play in the first period. Alex Mattila scored a minute later, and Noah Jukuri’s second-period short-handed shot made it 3-0 at the end of two. Two goals by Scott Loukus, and single scores by Jackson Rilei and Scott Coppo finished the scoring in the third period.

Jeffers and Hancock will meet in the consolation match at 1:00 this afternoon. Houghton and Calumet will play for the title at 3:00. Our coverage will begin at 12:40 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com.

In high school boys basketball last night, Dollar Bay-Tamarack City outscored Chassell 81-59.

Finlandia University

Finlandia University’s Dylan Underwood has been named the American Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Underwood scored 32 points in the Lions’ recent games at the Orlando Classic.

Great Lakes Hockey League

The Portage Lake Pioneers defeated the Marquette Mutineers 6-4 last night at Dee Stadium. The Pioneers will visit the Mosinee Papermakers tonight.

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings return to action tonight, when they visit the Florida Panthers. Coverage will begin at 6:40 on 99.3 The Lift.

The Wings will play without Anthony Mantha for at least the next month. He suffered a rib injury in Detroit’s loss to the Maple Leafs December 21st.

NBA

The Detroit Pistons visit the San Antonio Spurs tonight.

NFL

All of this week’s NFL games will be played tomorrow. The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers in a 1:00 contest. Hear the broadcast on 99.3 The Lift.

Email sports news and game results to mornings@up.net.