Diggers Sweep UVU in Second Half of Four-Game Series
Photo Credit: Lisa Schake
Montana Tech demonstrated that time, place, or ice size wouldn’t slow them down this season. The Diggers traveled to Provo, Utah, for the second half of a four-game home-and-home series against Utah Valley University (UVU) on October 17-18. Unlike last season, when UVU dominated every matchup, Tech turned the tables, winning the series by scores of 8-1, 4-3 (OTW), 5-4, and 5-1.
Montana Tech vs. Utah Valley University – Friday, October 17: 5-4
Tech hit Olympic-sized ice for the first time on Friday night, less than a week after an overtime victory against UVU. The Diggers controlled much of the first period and capitalized early on their first power play when Cade Holland streaked end-to-end after receiving a pass from Luke Benoit. The lead lasted less than four minutes as UVU scored on a defensive breakdown. After 20 minutes, the score was tied 1-1, with Tech outshooting UVU 14-8.
UVU struck first in the second period, 6:28 in, but Tech responded on their second power play of the night when Benoit netted a goal off a preset play following a draw. UVU regained the lead late in the period, heading to the locker room up 3-2.
The third period saw both teams exchanging goals. Benoit tied the game at 3 with his second goal, but UVU briefly pulled ahead again. Tech answered immediately on the power play with Benoit completing his hat trick. With 3:16 left, Sawyer Inman scored the game-winning goal after a stretch pass from Aaron Keener, giving Tech a 5-4 victory.
Player Highlights:
Luke Benoit: 3 goals, 1 assist
Sawyer Inman: Game-winning goal
Goaltender Joe Rolfson: 26 saves on 30 shots
Injuries & Adjustments:
Colin McCarthy left early with a suspected upper-body injury.
Coach Comments:
“[Our team] showed grit and resilience, responding well to goals against,” praised coach Dave Rathgeber.
Photo Credit: Lisa Schake
Montana Tech vs. Utah Valley University – Saturday, October 18: 5-1
On Saturday, Tech aimed to spoil UVU’s Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Night in the season finale. Adjusting for McCarthy’s absence and a gametime decision on centerman Raynger Schake, Tech struck first at 8:20 when Mike McKay scored on a rebound from Riley Kelly’s shot. Captain Tye Carriere extended the lead with a breakaway goal just before the end of the first period.
In the second period, UVU capitalized on a power-play goal, though the play was initially blown dead before being reviewed. Tech responded with Carriere’s second goal of the night. Despite penalty trouble, including a five-minute major on Luke Benoit for boarding, Tech held strong. Carriere left the game with a lower-body injury but praised his teammates for stepping up.
The third period saw Tech seal the victory with Riley Kelly scoring early and Jack Delici adding a power-play goal. Goaltender Lang made a series of critical saves late, ensuring Tech controlled play until the final buzzer, ending the game 5-1.
Coach Comments:
“Our players are aware of their capabilities, pushing forward with confidence,” said Assistant Coach Ryan Schleusner.
Montana Tech vs. Utah Valley UniversitySeries Takeaways
Montana Tech’s sweep showcased the team’s depth scoring, strong special teams, and resilience through injuries. Key performances included:
Luke Benoit: First hat trick of the season Friday; six points on the weekend (3G, 3A)
Jack Delici: Extended his points streak with four points over the weekend
The series sweep positions Tech well for the Mountain West Collegiate Hockey League playoffs in February. The Diggers face in-state rival University of Montana on Friday, October 24, a matchup expected to serve as a litmus test for Tech’s rebuilding program.
