MARQUETTE, Mich. – Josh Kotai stopped all 27 shots he faced to lead Augustana men's hockey to a 2-0 road victory over Northern Michigan on Saturday night at the Berry Events Center.

The Vikings (14-6-3, 8-4-3 CCHA) struck early in the opening period. Will Howard opened the scoring at the 2:44 mark, finishing a play set up by Garett Drotts to give Augustana a 1-0 lead at even strength. Augustana held a 13-7 advantage in shots during the first period, while Kotai turned aside all seven Wildcat attempts to preserve the early lead.

The second period remained scoreless as both teams generated chances. Augustana outshot Northern Michigan 12-6 in the frame, but Oliver Auyeung-Ashton kept the 'Cats within one. Kotai continued his strong play, stopping all six shots he faced in the period.

The Vikings extended their lead early in the third period on the power play. Easton Young scored at 7:18, converting a man-advantage opportunity off assists from Cole Burtch and Hayden Hennen to make it 2-0. Northern Michigan pushed late and pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker, but Kotai and the Augustana defense held firm to secure the shutout.

Augustana finished with a 39-27 edge in shots and won 61.7 percent of the faceoffs. The Vikings went 1-for-2 on the power play and held Northern Michigan scoreless on its lone man-advantage chance.

Game Moments

• Howard scored at 2:44 of the first period to open the scoring.
• Augustana outshot Northern Michigan 13-7 in the opening frame.
• Kotai recorded a 27-save shutout.
• Young scored a power-play goal early in the third period.
• Augustana held a 39-27 advantage in shots.

Goals

• Howard gave Augustana a 1-0 lead with an even-strength goal assisted by Drotts off a two-on-one break.
• Young fired in his first of the season from the top of the circle off a dish from Burtch. The offensive break was set up by Hennen. 

Up Next
Augustana returns to Midco Arena next weekend as it hosts Ferris State in a two-game weekend series. Puck drop is slated for 7:07 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16th and Saturday, Jan. 17th at 6:07 p.m.