Marquette, MI – February 28th, 2026 – For the third time this season, the Houghton Gremlins and the Marquette Sentinels faced off with far more than bragging rights on the line. Each team had already stolen a win on the other’s home ice, proving they could get the job done in hostile territory. But this rubber match carried the ultimate prize, a trip to USA Hockey Arena and a berth in the state semifinals.
Houghton entered the showdown red hot, winners of 18 of its last 19 games, including a dominant 9–1 mercy-rule victory over Calumet in the regional final. Marquette countered with momentum of its own after a disciplined 3–1 regional championship win over Escanaba, leaning on structure, timely scoring, and strong goaltending from Parker Nevenhoven.
The quarterfinal proved to be a defensive battle early. After one period, the game remained scoreless, with Nevenhoven turning aside several quality chances, especially during Houghton’s dangerous power play, as the Gremlins outshot the Sentinels 7–3. The second period followed a similar script. Marquette pushed back and outshot Houghton 11–7 in the frame, earning two power-play opportunities but unable to convert. Through two periods, Nevenhoven and Houghton’s Cooper Flachs were locked in, each preserving a 0–0 tie and chasing a potential shutout.
The deadlock finally broke midway through the third period when Gunnar Gullstrand buried a rebound at the 14:31 mark to give Houghton a 1–0 lead. The Gremlins seized control from there. Connor Arko extended the advantage to 2–0 at 13:26 with an assist from Noah Maillette. Houghton added another goal at 4:54 to make it 3–0, and Porter Markham sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 1:16. The Gremlins skated away with a decisive 4–0 victory.
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With the win, Houghton advances to the state semifinals in Plymouth on March 6. Marquette’s season comes to a close with a strong 19–8–3 record and a regional championship to its credit. The Sentinels’ senior class played its final game with pride, and the program now turns its focus toward next season with hopes of another deep postseason run.
