UNM sweeps big road series in Colorado, win streak moves to four

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — It was a business trip for the Ice Lobos last weekend.

Heading north to face the Colorado State Rams on Nov. 7-8, the UNM Men’s Club Hockey team took another weekend sweep to extend their winning streak to four games.

UNM made sure to pack some late-game heroics in their carry-ons, securing another last-minute go-ahead goal in the Friday opener. Joseph Gutierrez, who scored an overtime game-winner last week, found the back of the net with under a minute to go in regulation in the Lobo’s 3-2 victory.

The opening win against the Rams marks UNM’s fourth victory decided by one goal in their last five games, having a flair for the dramatic through October and into November.

Goalie Max McKiernan posted another great outing, stopping 25 of 27 shots against CSU. The Lobo netminder has now delivered back-to-back 20-plus save performances, winning both of those contests in the process.

"I thought we played really well," McKiernan said. "Faced a tough goalie, but it was nice to prevail there at the end and get the win."

But in the series finale, after three straight games of drama, UNM decided to give the down-to-the-wire shtick a rest.

How?

By scoring five goals in the opening eight minutes.

In an offensive avalanche, the Lobos wasted no time securing a sweep. Forward Zack Ganshaw led the way with a two-goal night. Issa Murakami contributed a goal, following his big weekend against ETBU. Top goal-scorer Nick Weaver joined the party as well, putting one away on what happened to be his birthday. Two goals on the weekend and back-to-back series sweeps are a solid gift.

Sophomore goaltender Erik Werkhoven, behind an offensive cushion, got his first start of the season and did not waste it. Werkhoven stopped 25 of 26 shots in the clean 5-1 victory, earning his first win of the season.

UNM now sits atop the West Coast Hockey Conference, with an 8-4 record and 23 points in the standings. It has been quite the run in a hard first-half schedule, but their biggest test of the slate is on deck.

Grand Canyon University, a squad the Lobos split with on the road in Arizona, will head into McDermott Athletic Center for a weekend series on Nov. 14-15. The Antelopes currently sit in third place in the conference, with this Lobo-Lope tilt destined to leave a mark in the standings

UNM is looking to “Pack the MAC” for this important series, including handing out Lobo Hockey rally towels on Friday night and giving free admission to students.