HOUGHTON — After scoring just one goal through the first 34 minutes, the Houghton hockey team’s offense exploded for five in the third period to take a 6-1 victory over Negaunee on Thursday.

Houghton outshot the Miners 11-7 in the first period, but NHS goalie Preston Maki kept the game scoreless going into the middle frame. With Kevin Bostwick in the penalty box for tripping, Clayton Sayen broke the scoreless tie 3:15 into the second with a shorthanded tally.

The game remained 1-0 in favor of the Gremlins until the third period when assistant captain Dawson McKay found the back of the net just 35 seconds in.

More goals came off the sticks of Taavi Rajala, Ronald Olson (two) and Casey Lentowich to make it 6-0 before Negaunee got its goal from Shane Ring with 1:46 remaining.