Houghton’s Hudson Markham (7), Noah Maillette (13) and Jack Sayen (12) celebrate a goal during a game against Hancock Friday at Dee Stadium in Houghton. (Paula Porter/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins hockey team needed a pair of third-period tallies to earn their 16th win of the season with a 3-2 win over the Hancock Bulldogs Friday night at Dee Stadium.

Connor Arko drove the Gremlins’ offense with a pair of goals, including the game-winner, which came on a power play in the final frame, breaking a 2-2 tie.

With the game also being part of the Wing Ding festivities, the win meant even more for the Gremlins.

After a scoreless first period, Damian Colombe got the Bulldogs on the board first.

Houghton, looking for a response, got it when Arko batted a rebound past Bulldogs goaltender Adam Mikkola.

After killing off a penalty to start the third period, the Gremlins took a 2-1 lead when Jack Sayen found the net.

The lead held until Max Heinoen got the Bulldogs back to even with six minutes remaining.

Mikkola made 30 saves in the loss for Hancock. Brycyn Nettell stopped 13 to earn the win for Houghton.

UP NEXT

The Gremlins have one game left on their schedule, a matchup with the Calumet Copper Kings Tuesday in Calumet. The Bulldogs are also in action Tuesday as they face the Marquette Sentinels in Marquette.