COLORADO SPRINGS — David Johnstone had a goal and an assist to lead Michigan Tech to a 3-1 victory over Colorado College Friday in the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs.
Dennis Rix and Alex Mac- Leod had third-period goals for the Huskies (15-18-4), who lost twice to the Tigers (18-15-2) last weekend in the regular season finale.
Michigan Tech outshot Colorado College 29-17.
Huskies goalie Josh Robinson turned away 16 shots. He faced just four shots in each of the last two periods.
“I was disappointed with our inability to win some puck battles and to get to the net,” Tigers coach Scott Owens said. “I mean, 17 shots on goal against any team is unacceptable.”
Colorado College goalie Josh Thorimbert made 26 saved.
Air Force 4, Connecticut 3•AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Kyle De Laurell scored the game-winner in the third period, and Stephen Caple came off the bench to make 10 saves in the final 18 minutes as the Falcons won the opener of a best-of-three Atlantic Hockey Association series.
Midway through the third period, Tim Kirby sent the puck up ice to Stephen Carew in the neutral zone. Carew flipped a pass up in the air to De Laurell, who knocked it down in the slot. After spinning around, De Laurell fired a backhander that went under the pads of Garrett Bartus for a 4-3 lead at the 11:13 mark.
Denver Post wire services
