Ferris State Blanks Toronto in Exhibition

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Big Rapids, Mich. - Five unanswered goals by the Ferris State University men's ice hockey team secured a 5-0 win in an exhibition game against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues this Sunday (Oct. 2) afternoon at the Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids.

Sophomore defender Scott Czarnowczan (Macomb) netted the game's first goal with 3:44 left in the opening period as he scored on the power play off an assist from senior center Jordie Johnston (Rosetown, Saskatchewan) and junior right wing Matthew Kirzinger (Leroy, Saskatchewan).

Freshman right wing Justin Buzzeo (Windsor, Ontario) notched the Bulldogs' second goal of the game just over one minute later, with 1:32 left in the first, off a pass from senior defensemen Chad Billins (Marysville).

The lone goal of the second period was scored at 7:26 from Johnston on a power play, with both Billins and Kirzinger getting their second assists of the contest.

In the third period, junior left wing Kyle Bonis (Lindsay, Ontario) tallied the fourth goal for the Bulldogs with assists going to both junior right wing Eric Alexander (Kentwood) and Travis Ouellette (Windsor, Ontario).

Freshman right wing TJ Schlueter (St. Louis, Mo.) notched the game's final goal at 11:03 into the third with Buzzeo and rookie center Dominic Panetta (Baldwin) earning assists.

Ferris State recorded 31 shots on goal to Toronto's 24 for the game. The Varsity Blues racked up 72 minutes in 17 penalties while the Bulldogs totaled 10 penalties with 50 minutes of time served.

Senior goaltender Taylor Nelson (Regina, Saskatchewan) started in net for Ferris State and turned away all 10 shots faced on the night. Freshman C.J. Motte (St. Clair, Mich.) was up next and didn't allow a goal while making six saves. Finally, sophomore Rob Granett (Clarkston, Mich.) saved eight shots on goal to preserve the Bulldogs' shutout.

Overall, Ferris State converted three times in nine power play opportunities and limited Toronto to no goals in five power play tries.  Brett Willows had 31 saves in net for the Varsity Blues.

The Bulldogs will officially drop the puck on their 2011-2012 season this Friday and Saturday (Oct. 7-8) with a two-game non-league series versus the St. Lawrence Saints in St. Lawrence, N.Y. Opening faceoff for Friday's season opener is set for 7:05 p.m. (ET) with Saturday's series' finale starting at 4:30 p.m. (ET).