This past weekend on Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24, the Western Washington University men's hockey team took on the Montana Tech Diggers, winning both games and sweeping Montana Tech at the Sportsplex Arena in Bellingham, Wash.
The Vikings defeated the Diggers by a combined score of 10–6, bouncing back after a difficult road stretch and injuries that weakened the roster. The weekend also marked Western’s final home series of the season and culminated in a senior night celebration on Saturday.
“We had a really rough weekend on our last game and were a little beat up, but (I) liked to see them get back to how they played the last week, really fantastic,” said head coach Adam Segaar.
Western established control early in Friday’s matchup, applying pressure from the opening puck drop and controlling play in the offensive zone. The Vikings held Montana Tech scoreless in the first period, firing 19 shots while maintaining strong defensive positioning. Goaltender Nolan Marena anchored the effort, limiting scoring opportunities.
“As the game went on, we adjusted and we went out in the second and third and we outplayed them,” said freshman Tyler Chapman.
Chapman, a key offensive player, finished the game with two goals, both assisted by sophomores Kailer Slette and Ethan Secord. Western continued to build momentum across both games, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on offensive-zone time.
“We've been really trying to change the culture and get the boys a little bit more locked in as we get ready for playoffs," said captain of the Vikings, senior Patrick Pierson. “I think we've made some really solid strides in that direction, especially coming off a four-game win that we had last weekend.”
Saturday night’s matchup doubled as senior night, as the Vikings honored their graduating players before the puck drop. The ceremony was followed by a focused performance, as Western appeared energized rather than distracted, carrying the emotion into a composed showing on the ice.
“We battled hard, and the entire team gave a full effort,” said sophomore Kailer Slette. The win gave the Vikings added motivation as postseason play approaches.
Western limited Montana Tech to just two points Saturday, continuing a disciplined defensive effort that defined the series. This was critical as Montana Tech put up a very physical game, with both teams spending a lot of time in the penalty box.
“I think we played probably about 45 minutes of solid hockey, and there's about 15 minutes here and there that, you know, we let some things slip through the cracks,” said Pierson.
Despite the lapses, the Vikings’ ability to control large stretches of play highlighted the progress the team has made entering the final phase of the season.
“UW next weekend, that’s where it is for us,” said assistant coach Hunter Warren. “We’ve been trying to beat UW for years, so this weekend was really about preparation and working toward that goal.”
With the sweep, the Vikings improved to 22-6 on the season and will look to carry the momentum into the playoffs and their next series against the University of Washington Huskies on Jan. 30 and 31 at the Kraken Community Iceplex.
Caitlin Grygorcewicz (she/her) is a sports and recreation reporter this winter quarter. She is in her second year, majoring in visual journalism, and is returning to The Front for a third time after previously serving as the photo and video editor. In her free time, you can catch her cleaning her camera, climbing rocks and cooking good food. You can reach her at caitlingrygorcewicz.thefront@gmail.com.
