The Calumet Wolverines fell just short of a semifinal berth in the 2013 Great Lakes Hockey League Tournament in Eagle River, Wis. The Wolverines lost to the Fond du Lac Bears 4-3 Friday and defeated the Portage Lake Pioneers 6-5 Saturday, but lost the tiebreaker for a semifinal spot to the Madison Blues by way of goal differential.

In Friday’s win the Wolverines fell behind 2-0, but battled back to tie the score at 2 with Gust Junttila and Mike Babcock lighting the lamp. 

The Bears once again earned a lead midway through the third period as they capitalized on the only power play of the game. Moments later, the Bears doubled the lead.

Calumet buzzed late in the game, and Junttila scored his second of the game with 57 seconds left in the period. The Wolverines couldn’t net the equalizer, though. Dylan Whittaker made 30 saves in the game, while the Wolverines had 35 shots.

In Saturday’s contest, the Wolverines came from behind in the last five minutes to tie and win the game, putting an even split on the Wolverines and Pioneers six-game season series.

Calumet had 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3 leads in the game, but the pesky Pioneers kept tying it up, including a three-for-three run with the man advantage. Eventually the Pioneers earned a 5-4 lead midway through the third period.

Josh Harju buried a rebound with 4:45 left to tie the score at 5. Evan Salmela netted the winner with a minute left, coming across the middle after a nice passing play by Jeff Erkkila and Babcock.

Salmela and Logan Rastello had two goals apiece in Saturday’s contest, while Babcock had five assists. Emmett Bjorn also scored a power-play goal for Calumet. The Wolverines had a slight edge in shots, outshooting the Pioneers 37-29. Dylan Whittaker made 24 saves. 

The Wolverines finish their season with a 12-12-1 record, including a 10-9-1 record in GLHL play, 1-2 record in the Gibson Cup and 1-1 record in the GLHL Tournament.