Wisconsin U18 begins day two of the NIT with a 1-0 record after defeating Minnesota Seniors 3-1 last night. Wisconsin U18 in its gray jerseys squares off against Michigan U18 wearing Columbia blue jerseys.

Wisconsin started the game fast and had an advantage for the first 10 minutes with zone time, shots, and scoring opportunities. With five minutes remaining in the first period, Somerset’s Marshall Haukom went to the penalty box for interference. Wausau West’s Julian Scalcucci and the penalty kill was up to the task. Thirty seconds after killing off the penalty, Wisconsin went on the power play when Michigan was called for too many men.

Michigan’s goalie, Jack Derksen, the son of Wisconsin Badgers 1990 national championship goalie, Duane Derksen, used his 6’4” frame to keep Wisconsin from scoring on the power play. Wisconsin’s best power play scoring chance came from a Jack McKenna shot from the point. Derksen was off his angle and McKenna’s shot looked like it was headed for the back of the net…but just missed. The first period ended tied 0-0 and Michigan had a 14-11 advantage in shots.

Two minutes into the second period Amery’s Jacob Maxon went to the penalty box. Thirty seconds into the kill, Superior’s Brayden Severin went to the box for interference. Wisconsin penalty killers had a tall task but with a valiant effort killed off the 5 on 3.

Six minutes into the second period Wisconsin scored a beauty of a goal. Brookfield’s Cooper Simon made a brilliant pass to Eau Claire Memorial’s Mack Diggins. Diggins put the puck in the net with an exclamation point to give Wisconsin a 1-0 lead. The second period ended with Wisconsin leading 1-0. Shots were 22-21 in favor of Michigan.

The third period began with Wisconsin on the power play. Wisconsin had trouble handling the puck on its power play. Wisconsin gave up a power play breakaway, but DC Everest’s Griffen Bunnell made the save.

With nine minutes remaining in the game Mack Diggins struck again. Diggins picked up the puck in the neutral zone and entered the Michigan’s D zone with speed. He beat Michigan’s defenseman, drove to the far post and scored to give Wisconsin a 2-0 lead.

With 2:29 remaining Michigan scored off a rebound to cut Wisconsin’s lead to 2-1. In the final minute Michigan pulled its goalie and frantically attempted to tie. D.C. Everest’s Griffen Bunnell stood tall, and Wisconsin secured its second win.

Wisconsin U18 with its 2-0 record, faces a very strong North Dakota team at 10AM on Saturday, April 26. The winner will advance to Sunday’s championship game.