DEARBORN, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team faced off against the Indiana Tech Warriors in a matchup between the top two teams in the WHAC. After the Wolverines swept the series earlier in the year, the Warriors got their revenge on the Maize & Blue, winning at the Fieldhouse 3-0 on Friday (Feb. 2).
With four games to play in the regular season, the Warriors sit in first place, just edging out UM-Dearborn with 46 points, compared to the Wolverines 45. Friday night's matchup was sure to have eyes on it from across the league, and the first period showcased just why.
The opening stanza was highlighted by physical play from both sides as the two teams emphasized finishing their checks and clogging up the neutral zone. Neither team could muster any serious scoring chances despite 16 shots fanned out by both teams. However, in quick succession, the Warriors would strike twice in the second period. Colton Nikiforuk scored both times for the Warriors at 9:02 and 12:18. Beals was left helpless on both shots as Nikiforuk snuck one past the Wolverine netminder after a solid screen in front of the net and a tap-in goal after a rebound.
Penalties plagued the Wolverines in the third period as they took a combined nine penalty minutes and conceded the game's third goal on the power play after the Wolverines were sent to the penalty box for five minutes after a checking from behind major.
UM-Dearborn travels to Fort Wayne tomorrow (Feb. 3) to close out the home-and-home series.
