Gremlins hockey rolls to pair of wins over downstate opponents | News, Sports, Jobs

Houghton forward Connor Arko makes a move near the Forest Park Central net during a game Friday at Dee Stadium. (Paula Porter/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins hockey team fell behind to both Brighton and Forest Hills Central, respectively, Friday and Saturday at Dee Stadium. After that, however, they outscored their opponents 11-0 over the second and third periods of both games to earn a pair of wins.

The Gremlins improved to 10-5-1 on season. They are on a six-game winning streak.

Gremlins 5, Rangers 1

The Forest Hills Central Rangers jumped out to a 1-0 lead after 17 minutes Saturday at Dee Stadium, but the Gremlins scored five straight goals to earn the win.

Alternate captain Jack Sayen answered the first-period goal by the Rangers when he scored just nine seconds into the second period while on the power play. The goal, Sayen’s seventh of the season, was assisted by captain Connor Arko and sophomore defenseman Wesley Mattila.

Alternate captain Noah Maillette scored the first of his two goals 35 seconds with the Gremlins still on the man advantage. The goal, his 15th of the season, was assisted by Sayen and Arko.

Sophomore forward Braden Kari extended the lead to 3-1 at 10:16. The goal was his fourth of the season.

Maillette scored his second of the day at 9:57. Arko and freshman defenseman Jake Matson both picked up assists on the goal.

Kari closed out the scoring at 11:52. Senior defenseman Kade Jenkins earned the lone assist on the goal.

Junior goaltender Brycyn Nettell stopped 19 shots to earn the win for the Gremlins.

Gremlins 6, Bulldogs 1

The Gremlins trailed 1-0 after one period, but Sayen scored three times and added an assist as Houghton battled back to earn a 6-1 win Friday over the Brighton Bulldogs.

Arko got things started for the Gremlins 5:56 into the second period, when he scored his ninth of the year. Maillette and Sayen earned assists.

Sayen then scored the next two goals, the first at 6:33 of the third period, and the second at 8:14. Arko earned the lone assist on both tallies.

Arko then struck for the second time while the Gremlins were on the power play at 9:02. Maillette and Kari earned assists.

Sayen’s hat trick goal came on the power play at 13:42. Mattila earned the lone assist.

Senior forward Gage Gullstrand capped the scoring with his third of the year at 15:05.

Nettell stopped 16 shots to earn the win.

Up next

The Gremlins are off until Friday when they host Brother Rice at Dee Stadium.