No. 16 Warriors Fall in Opening Round of ACHA Championship

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Competing in the ACHA National Championship for the first time since 2017, No. 16 Midland University went up against No. 17 Purdue University Northwest in the first round on Thursday night. The Warriors saw their season come to an end, falling to the Pride, 9-4, on at the Centene Community Ice Center.

Midland played an even first period with the Purdue Northwest, as both teams found the net twice. Midland's first goal came at the 11:17 mark when Tommy Babb lit the lamp, assisted by Karl Grafelman and Leo Milan. Babb struck again later in the period, scoring at 17:36 with assists from Milan and Matthew Kochanowski to tie the game at 2-2.

Purdue Northwest took control in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals, including a power-play tally at 19:34. The Warriors were held scoreless in the middle frame, falling behind 5-2 entering the final 20 minutes.

The Warriors attempted a comeback early in the third, as Milan Breczko capitalized at 2:56 with assists from Jared Wisely and Jack Olson to cut the deficit to 5-3. Breczko added another goal at 4:31, assisted by Milan and Kochanowski, making it a one-goal game. However, the Pride responded with four more goals, including an empty-netter at 17:12, to seal the game's outcome.

Liam Tereposky started in goal for Midland, making 25 saves before being relieved by Elijah Marchese in the third period. Purdue Northwest outshot the Warriors 38 to 27 and will advance to play top-seeded Minot State on Friday. Midland's season comes to an end with an 18-19-1 record.