Club hockey ends losing streak

The CMU club hockey team swept its two-game series against Northern Michigan after its fifth consecutive loss Friday night against Lindenwood.

Central (7-10) lost to Lindenwood on Friday, 6-3, and won 8-3 Saturday and 5-4 Sunday against Northern Michigan.

Saturday was Central’s first win since Oct. 24 against Bowling Green.

Central senior captain Marty Lipar said the difference between the wins and loss was Central’s start. Lindenwood scored first Friday and later scored five unanswered goals. But Saturday, Central scored 11 seconds into the game, the first of five unanswered goals. The team also scored first in Sunday’s game.

“It’s just crazy how different we play if we score that first goal or if we let that first goal in,” Lipar said. “If we let that first goal in, we kind of get down but, if we get that first goal, we’re a whole different team.”

Central coach Mike Jakubik said the team’s lack of communication Friday led to turnovers and, consequently, goals.

“All the goals we gave up were lack of concentration,” he said about Friday’s loss. “We just made it too easy for the other team.”

He said Saturday’s win came because of a notable physical presence and improved communication from Friday.

Special teams

It was not the only change, however. Going into the weekend, the power play was unsuccessful for CMU.

Central had scored just seven power-play goals in 26 power plays dating back to Oct. 2 against Western Michigan. Central scored four power-play goals in 13 power plays over the weekend.

Bowen made 60 saves this weekend and gave up seven goals against Northern. Freshman goaltender Zach Silver got the start against Lindenwood, allowing six goals.

Senior center Mike Lesnau played his first games in the top line with senior left winger Jordan Jakubik and sophomore right winger David Sitarski. The line had eight goals and 12 assists.