Wisconsin HP-18 played Michigan Seniors in game two at the NIT. Wisconsin HP-18 came out on fire and scored 58 seconds into the game. Gabe Braun scored with assists by Adam Sexton and Gus Thorp.

With 13:02 on the clock Wyatt Herres was called for a holding penalty. Michigan’s power play was stifled by Wisconsin’s penalty killers and goalie Hayden Reuhl.

With 2:29 remaining in the first period, Bjorn Bahneman slammed home a goal with an assist by Drew Bowe and William Lyons to give Wisconsin HP-18 a 2-0 lead.

Wisconsin’s two-goal lead was short lived. With 1:28 on the clock Michigan scored to make it a one goal game. Wisconsin outplayed Michigan in the fast and physical first period. The shots at the end of the first period were 9-7 in favor of Wisconsin.

The second period was played with high skill and intensity. Gus Thorp was called for roughing with 10:43 on clock. Unfortunately, Michigan converted on the power play to tie the game 2-2.

A turnover in the D zone led to Michigan’s third goal with 5:43 remaining in the second period. The second period ended with Michigan leading 3-2.

In the third period the intensity remained high, but no scoring occurred until nearly six minutes into the period. With 12:14 on the clock, Nick Madsen caught a pass from Wyatt Herres and skated to the top of the circle and ripped a shot that blew past the Michigan goalie to tie the game 3-3.

The game stayed tied until Michigan scored with 5:33 on the clock to take a 4-3 lead.

The final minutes of the game were an edge of your seat thriller. Wisconsin attacked the Michigan net and almost scored on several occasions. After Wisconsin pulled the Spencer Shober for an extra attacker, Michigan hit the pipe multiple times but miraculously did not score.

With 35 seconds remaining Gus Thorp blasted a shot from the blueline that hit the post. The rebound was picked up by a Michigan player and he scored an empty net to seal the victory.

Michigan Seniors defeated Wisconsin HP-18, 5-3. Michigan outshot Wisconsin 29-21.

“It was a back-and-forth game and our kids found ways to compete, but we just came up a little short.” Podge Turnbull, assistant coach, Wisconsin HP-18.

Wisconsin HP-18’s next game is at 10AM on Saturday, April 27 vs Colorado.