Wildcats vs. Irish – Friday recap

By Steven Miller –

Northern Michigan won a thrilling game against Notre Dame Friday night in a shootout.  Ryan Ketsi opened up the scoring for the ‘Cats early in the first period, with an assist from Tyler Gron at the 6:02 mark.   Midway through the opening period, Notre Dame answered with a goal from Mike Voran, assisted by Billy Mayday, to tie things up.  With two late penalties from Notre Dame’s from Ryan Sheahan, first for holding and second for hooking, the Wildcats did not capitalize on the consecutive power play goals.

Reed Seckel was called for interference early in the second period, giving Notre Dame their first chance on the power play.  With 1:08 left in the man advantage, Billy Mayday scored the go-ahead goal, giving the Fighting Irish a 2-1 lead.   Justin Florek tied the game with a goal at 13:59 in the middle stanza, with assists from Reed Seckel and Matt Thurber.   The Fighting Irish failed to score on two power-play chances, given to them by Ryan Daugherty and Jake Baker, respectively, late in the period.

The last period was uneventful, with only four shots on goal for the Irish and six shots for the Wildcats.  At the 11:19, Ryan Daugherty drew a penalty for high-sticking.  The Cats penalty-killing was successful in stopping the Irish power-play unit.  As time ran out in the third period, Notre Dame was complacent with going into overtime.

In the extra period, NMU and Notre Dame had only one shot on goal, respectively, and no goals were scored.  Walt Kyle decided to switch players in the shootout, since they were not successful against the Wolverines two weekends prior.  Notre Dame’s T.J. Tynan was stopped by Reid Ellingson in the first chance for the Irish in the shootout.  Andrew Cherniwchan’s wrist shot was denied by Mike Johnson from the Irish.  Chances from Riley Sheahan (ND) and Justin Florek (NMU) were unsuccessful, leaving the shootout still tied after the second round. Irish coach Jeff Jackson chose Billy Mayday for his third shooter and was unsuccessful against Ellingson.  The final skater for NMU was Reed Seckel, and he scored the shootout winner to give the Wildcats two points in CCHA play.

Overall, shots on goal were in favor of Notre Dame 27-21.  NMU led with penalties, giving the Irish five chances on the power play.  The Fighting Irish had two penalties throughout the night.  The three stars of the game were:

3rd- Reed Seckel (NMU), 2^nd – Mike Johnson (ND), 1^st– Reid Ellingson (NMU).

Steven Miller is a guest contributor for mihockeynow. A Northern Michigan alum, he now resides in Virgina.