DETROIT – The University of Michigan clinched its record 17th Great Lakes Invitational title with a 4-2 win over Michigan Tech on Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena.

A gritty defensive effort by the Wolverines and timely scoring helped Michigan rally from a 2-0 first-period deficit as U-M used a dominant second period to take the lead.

Three goals were scored in the middle period by sophomore forward Tony Calderone, junior forward Tyler Motte on the power play and junior forward Alex Kile in the final minute to push Michigan ahead.

Then senior goaltender Steve Racine, who finished with 27 saves, held down the fort in the third as Michigan killed off two penalties in the opening 10 minutes of the period, then kept MTU in the neutral zone and to the outside in the game’s closing moments.

Sophomore defenseman Sam Piazza sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:28, his first goal as a Wolverine.

Connor was named tournament MVP and joined Piazza and Racine on the GLI All-Tournament Team.

Tech had the early momentum as the tourney host Huskies took the lead on their first shot. Jake Jackson skated down the left wing, cut to the net and beat Racine over the blocker at 2:55 to put Michigan Tech up 1-0.

The Wolverines settled down after the goal, dominating possession, as freshman forward Kyle Connor and Calderone both had several quality chances. Midway through the frame, Calderone twice had the puck on his stick alone in the high slot, but could not beat Phillips.

The Huskies took a two-goal lead on their first power play opportunity after Tyler Motte was sent to the penalty box for boarding at 12:48. Brent Baltus scored on a deflection in front of the net at 14:21, and Michigan Tech led by two goals heading into the break.

The Wolverines couldn’t convert on two power play chances in the opening frame, but got their offense going in the second period.

Michigan returns to Big Ten play on Jan. 8 at rival Michigan State.

Information provided by the University of Michigan sports information department.