Wolverines Can't Overcome Early Deficit in 4-1 Loss to Indiana Tech
The University of Michigan-Dearborn men’s ice hockey team was unable to recover from a fast start by Indiana Tech, as early first-period goals and special teams proved decisive in a 4–1 road loss Friday night in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team dropped a 4–1 decision on the road Friday night to Indiana Tech at Fort Wayne, IN.
UM-Dearborn fell behind early as Indiana Tech struck twice in the opening four minutes of the first period. Francesco Santaniello opened the scoring at 2:15, and JP Scaringi added another at 3:55 to give the hosts a 2–0 lead after one. The Wolverines struggled to generate offense early, managing just five shots in the opening frame while facing sustained pressure.
UM-Dearborn found a spark midway through the second period when defenseman Max Hartwell scored at 11:11, finishing a setup from Bailey Byrd to cut the deficit to 2–1. The goal briefly shifted momentum, but Indiana Tech responded late in the period with a power-play tally from Michael Dalaly at 19:38, restoring the two-goal cushion heading into the third.
The Wolverines pushed in the final period, outshooting Indiana Tech 11–11, but were unable to solve goaltender Gage Reimer again. With UM-Dearborn pressing late and the net empty, Brodie Burge sealed the outcome with a power-play, empty-net goal at 16:59.
Trevor Heslop made 32 saves on 35 shots in goal for UM-Dearborn, keeping the Wolverines within reach despite facing 36 shots overall. Indiana Tech finished 2-for-5 on the power play, while UM-Dearborn went 0-for-4 with the man advantage.
With the loss, UM-Dearborn moved to 11-12-1 overall and 8-7-0 in conference play.
