Michigan Ice Hockey Defeats Wisconsin 7-4 in Thrilling Clash

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The No. 2-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team overcame a late deficit to defeat No. 10 Wisconsin 7-4 on Friday night at Yost Ice Arena.

Michigan scored four goals in the third period, showcasing their resilience following a brief rally by the Badgers. Wisconsin had taken a 4-3 lead in the final frame but could not maintain the advantage as Michigan fired back, earning three vital points in the Big Ten standings.

“We just kept pushing,” said Michigan forward Michael Hage, who scored two critical goals in the third period, including the game-tying score. “We knew we could come back, and our team has that never-quit attitude.”

Freshman goaltender Jack Ivankovic, who tallied his 10th collegiate win, made 20 saves out of 24 shots. “He made some big saves when we needed them most,” a teammate remarked about Ivankovic’s performance.

The game started with Michigan taking an early lead just over seven minutes into the first period. A well-executed play by Aidan Park slid the puck to Hage, who scored for the Wolverines. Michigan held a 1-0 lead after the first period.

Wisconsin responded in the second period, tying the game 1-1 before taking a 2-1 lead shortly afterward. Michigan regained control with a power-play goal, making it 3-2 by the end of the second stanza.

In the final period, a quick sequence of goals saw Wisconsin go up 4-3, prompting Michigan to rally. Hage’s unassisted goal leveled the score before Will Horcoff scored the game-winner for Michigan.

The final score of 7-4 was sealed with an empty-net goal by T.J. Hughes, who led all players with four points and continues to display a remarkable goal-per-game performance this season.

The Wolverines will face Wisconsin again on Saturday night at Yost Ice Arena, with puck drop set for 8 p.m.