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Defenseman Brett Wysopal produced the game-winning goal in FSU's 3-1 victory over Nebraska-Omaha. (Photo by The Pioneer)
Defenseman Brett Wysopal produced the game-winning goal in FSU's 3-1 victory over Nebraska-Omaha. (Photo by The Pioneer)
Posted: Dec 05, 2009

Ferris State Upends Nebraska-Omaha, 3-1, To Sweep Two-Game Series

Box Score

The nationally 17th-ranked Ferris State University men's ice hockey team extended its unbeaten streak to eight straight with a three-goal second period en route to claiming a 3-1 victory over 18th nationally-ranked Nebraska-Omaha Saturday (Dec. 5) at FSU's Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids, Mich.

Ferris State, which improved to 11-3-2 overall and 6-2-2-2 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) with the league decision, is now 6-0-2 in its last eight outings while improving its home record to 10-0-0.

The Bulldogs snapped a scoreless tie in the second period as sophomore center Jordie Johnston (Rosetown, Saskatchewan) tallied his first goal of the season at 4:43 into the frame.  Johnston connected on a shot from the right face off circle in a three-on-two skater advantage to beat UNO goaltender John Faulkner's glove side.

Less than four minutes later, Ferris State increased its lead to 2-0 when sophomore defenseman Brett Wysopal (LaGrange Park, Ill.) scored his second on the year during a Bulldog power-play opportunity at the 8:08 mark.  Wysopal's slap shot from the left point found its mark into the upper portion of the Mavericks' goal.  Senior right wing Cody Chupp (Big Rapids) followed suit with a power-play marker from the slot at 9:40 on a Wysopal assist as the Bulldogs stretched their lead to 3-0.  Nebraska-Omaha was able to avert the shutout as Nick Fanto produced a short-handed goal with 5:01 left to go in the second period, which represented the contest's final score.

Brett Wysopal and Cody Chupp each generated multiple-point game performances and were recognized as the first and second stars of the game, respectively.

Sophomore goaltender Taylor Nelson (8-1-1) received the starting nod for the second consecutive night and responded with another solid effort by totaling 28 saves to garner third star of the game recognition.  John Faulkner (5-5-2) was saddled with the loss despite amassing 36 saves.

Ferris State would end the game outshooting UNO by a 39-29 margin.  FSU made good on two of 14 power-play chances while Nebraska-Omaha was unsuccessful in seven such opportunities.

The Bulldogs will seek to continue on the winning path next weekend, Dec. 11-12, with a home-and-home CCHA series against the Western Michigan Broncos.  Ferris State will visit WMU next Friday (Dec. 11) in a 7:35 p.m. (EST) contest before returning to Big Rapids on Saturday (Dec. 12).  The puck will drop for the weekend series finale at 5:05 p.m. (EST) and tickets may be purchased by contacting the FSU Athletics Ticket Office at (231) 591-2888.  

Notes: Ferris State has outscored its opponent by 27 goals (44-17) in its 10 home games this season . . .  The Bulldogs have allowed just one power-play goal in the last 31 such opportunities . . . Brett Wysopal has compiled a combined six points (1-5=6) in his last four outings . . . Casey Haines extended his current points string to four games with an assist in tonight's win.  Haines has generated a combined six points (1-5=16) in that span . . . Cody Chupp has chalked up eight points, which includes four goals (4-4=8), in his last four contests . . . Ferris State scored all three of its goals in the second period and now has accumulated 25 lamplighters this season in a game's second frame . . . Brett Wysopal, who picked up both of his points in the second period, has presently totaled seven points (2-5=7) in that stanza this campaign.