Tech, NMU Reach WCHA Title Game – Monday Sports Wrap

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MTU/NMU
The Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan University hockey teams will play for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association title.

The Huskies advanced by upsetting top-seed Minnesota State 2-1 in overtime last night, in the third game of their semifinal series in Mankato. Jake Jackson scored both Huskies’ goals – one early in the second period, and the second with five minutes remaining in the 20-minute overtime frame. Patrick Munson made 41 saves. Tech won Saturday’s game 4-2, after dropping Friday’s opener 2-1.

Northern Michigan University moved into the finals with a 3-2 overtime win over Bowling Green State University. Troy Loggins scored the game-winner with four minutes remaining in the extra period. NMU won the series opener 6-1 Friday night, then fell 1-0 on Saturday.

The Huskies and Wildcats play in the championship game Saturday night in Marquette. The winner will get the new Jeff Sauer Trophy and the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Tickets for the game can only be purchased in person at the Berry Events Center ticket office in Marquette. They will not be sold online.

High School
Local players dominate this year’s Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association Division Three All-Star Team. First Team forwards include Alex Nordstrom and Teddy Randell from Hancock, Houghton’s Dawson McKay, and Sam Erkkila and Brent Loukus from Calumet. Second Team forwards include Colton Salani from Hancock, PJ Donnelly from Houghton, and Dean Loukus from Calumet. On defense, Houghton’s Kevin Bostwick and Calumet’s Davin Lehto made the First Team, and Teddy Perrault from Hancock was placed on the Second Team. Houghton’s Brendan Erickson was an Honorable Mention. Dawson Kero from Hancock was named a First Team Goalie, with Houghton’s Will Stier placed on the Second Team, and Calumet’s Nick Voelker earning Honorable Mention.

The high school basketball boys regionals open tonight…
– At Marquette, Calumet faces Indian River Inland Lakes in one semifinal game. Our broadcast coverage will begin around 7:10 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com. Iron Mountain and Westwood will play in the earlier semifinal.
– At Negaunee, unbeaten Dollar Bay-Tamarack City will take on Rapid River at 8:00 this evening. Ewen-Trout Creek will face Carney-Nadeau at 6:00.

Finlandia
The Finlandia University softball team wrapped up its southern trip yesterday with a 3-2 loss to Mount St. Joseph University, and a 7-6 loss to Franklin and Marshall College.

GLHL
The Calumet Wolverines claimed the Great Lakes Hockey League regular season title with a pair of wins over the weekend. On Friday, the Wolves pounded the Monroe Blues 15-1. On Saturday, they closed their regular season with a 12-2 victory at Eagle River.

The Portage Lake Pioneers lost to the Marquette Mutineers 11-3 Friday night, then defeated the Monroe Blues 12-5 on Saturday.

NHL
The Detroit Red Wings visit the San Jose Sharks tonight. Pregame coverage begins at 10:10 on 99.3 The Lift.

NBA
The Detroit Pistons are off until tomorrow, when they visit the Utah Jazz. Pregame coverage will begin at 8:35 on 99.3 The Lift.

MLB
In spring training baseball, the Detroit Tigers defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-3 yesterday. Francisco Liriano threw three scoreless innings. Victor Martinez hit one out, and Leonys Martin legged out an inside-the-park home run. The Tigers face the Washington Nationals this afternoon.

The Milwaukee Brewers edged the Cleveland Indians 5-4 yesterday. Starter Wade Miley allowed two runs over five innings. The Brewers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers this afternoon.

Youth Hockey
The Calumet Auto Pro team earned the title at the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association Bantam 14U B State Tournament yesterday at the Houghton County Arena, defeating the Alpena Cougars 7-1 in the championship match. Auto Pro advanced to the final with a 4-2 win over the Lansing Senators earlier in the day. The Copper Country American Forest Management team fell to Alpena 4-2 in the other semifinal. Check the full tournament results here. Select “Youth Non-National Bound”, then select “Bantam 14U B”.

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