UM-Flint’s hockey team used the Big Ten semifinals loss as motivation to beat Northwood University in a 9-2 victory. Reflecting on the tournament, Coach Don Edwards admitted that the team took their Big Ten loss to heart.

“It was a long week,” Edwards said. “The team was very disappointed.”

In the first period, Northwood University scored the first goal. But UM-Flint was able to rally, closing out the period with a 4-1 lead with back-to-back goals. Senior forward Chad Cross, freshman forward Nick Manley, freshman forward Jake Brejnak, and sophomore forward Nathan Robson scored the first four goals for UM-Flint.

In the second period, UM-Flint’s two goals were scored by junior forward Matthew Murdock. The team closed out the period leading Northwood 6-2.

The team’s tough defense held Northwood from scoring any goals in the third period. UM-Flint’s offense scored three more goals which earned the team a 9-2 win. Edwards said that the win and scoring rhythm were the result of a team effort.

“Good defense can help it, but both offense and defense must motivate each other,” Edwards said.

UM-Flint has progressed so much in its scoring rhythm that in recent games, many players have scored at least one goal. Edwards said he thinks it’s important that the entire team contribute in the game.

“It is important to spread scoring as much as we can,” Edwards said. “When there are many scorers, it makes us a tougher team to beat.”

UM-Flint will compete against the University of Detroit-Mercy on Feb. 3 in Detroit at 7:15 p.m.

Robyn can be reached at robyny@umflint.edu.