Michigan
Michigan Tech
Wolverines to Host No. 18 Michigan Tech in GLI; Game vs. WMU Canceled
12/26/2021 9:05:00 PM | Ice Hockey
• Michigan has won the most GLI titles in history, a total of 17.
• The Wolverines will go deep into their bench with five players absent due to the World Juniors.
• Erik Portillo has started in net every game this season and boasts a 14-6 record with a .913 save percentage.
THIS WEEK: Great Lakes Invitational
Wednesday, Dec. 29 -- vs. #18 Michigan Tech (Yost Ice Arena), 7 p.m.
TV: B1G+ | Live Stats | Live Video | Live Audio
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• Complete Game Notes (PDF)
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After a two-week break, the No. 3-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team (14-6-0) will return to the ice to host the Great Lakes Invitational this week at Yost Ice Arena. The Wolverines will take on No. 18 Michigan Tech on Wednesday (Dec. 29) in a game that will begin at 7 p.m. and air on B1G+. Tickets are available for purchase.
Michigan's second game of the tournament, originally scheduled for Thursday (Dec. 30) vs. No. 4 Western Michigan, has been canceled.
Wolverine Bites
• Michigan is 14-6 on the season after splitting with Ohio State to close out the first half. The Wolverines are ranked No. 3 in the latest national polls.
• Four of Michigan's top six scorers will be absent for the GLI while representing their countries at the U20 World Junior Championship in Alberta. Canadian sophomores Kent Johnson (23 pts) and Owen Power (23 pts) lead the way in scoring for the Wolverines, while Americans Matty Beniers (22 pts) and Luke Hughes (18 pts) are not far behind. Freshman speedster Mackie Samoskevich (11 pts) also made Team USA and will therefore miss the GLI.
• With those five out of the lineup, U-M will rely on forwards Brendan Brisson (22 pts) and Thomas Bordeleau (19 pts) in addition to Johnny Beecher, Michael Pastujov and Dylan Duke. On the back end, Nick Blankenburg and Jacob Truscott will be relied upon heavily.
• Truscott has chipped in eight points for Michigan while leading the team with a +16 rating.
• Blankenburg leads U-M in shot blocks with 23, followed by Power (21) and Hughes (19).
• Sophomore Erik Portillo has started every game in net for the Wolverines, assembling a 14-6 record with one shutout, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals-against average.
History of the Great Lakes Invitational
• The GLI began in 1965; Michigan debuted in 1966 and became a co-host in 1976.
• Michigan has the most GLI titles with 17; Michigan State (12) and Michigan Tech (11) are second and third.
• In 50 GLI appearances, U-M has won 17 MacInnes Cups, finished as runner-up 14 times, won the third-place game 13 times, and gone winless for fourth place just six times.
Scouting the Michigan Tech Huskies
• Representing the CCHA, Michigan Tech is 10-7 and is ranked No. 18 in the nation.
• MTU's special teams are excellent; they have the fourth-best penalty kill and sixth-best power play.
• Forward Brian Halonen has emerged as the team's leading scorer with 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Forwards Trenton Bliss (14 pts) and Logan Pietila (13 pts) come next.
• Blake Pietila has been outstanding in net, starting all 17 games with a .910 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average. Tech also boasts the nation's sixth-best scoring defense.
Up Next
• Saturday, Jan. 8 -- vs UMass (Yost Ice Arena), 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 9 -- vs. UMass (Yost Ice Arena), 4 p.m.
