The 2013 version of Team Wisconsin came into Friday's preliminary game against Team Michigan looking for a good start to the CCM Minnesota tournament, but it was Michigan who got off to a good start and held off TW 3-1.
 
Michigan got after TW early in the game and finally got a 3 on 2 break with Samuel Rennaker as the trailer on the play. Rennaker ripped off a good shot low past TW goalie Jake Kupsky for a 1-0 early lead.
 
Wisconsin did get back to even about a minute later as Gabe Flood got a turnover out near the blueline and was able to get in the far circle and beat goalie Casey Korhonen low for a 1-1 tie after one period.

Michigan tried to let TW get out to a lead taking three straight penalties but the Badger Boys could not convert on any chances. "We were missing that second chance after the first shot," said TW Coach Tim Ebner.

Michigan, after their PK unit had some work, was able to get the lead for good.

On a rush into the zone the TW defenseman was trying to cover his man and backed into Kupsky's line of sight while Rennaker put one in the far top corner for a 2-1 lead after two periods.

TW did have a great chance to tie on a 2 on 1, but credit Michigan who got back and denied TW a shot on net in the third period.

The scoring finished up for Michigan on a power play goal. Marcus Mazer finished a tic-tac-toe on the back post past an outstretched Kupsky, who had 21 stops in the game.

"Our outlet passes have to be better," said Ebner. "This is a prelim game but they really count tomorrow."

TW plays Masachusetts at 10:15 Saturday morning and finish with the Minnesota Seniors at 8:00.

"We will go over the game with the guys on tape and make corrections and hopefully we can be a better team tomorrow," said Ebner.