Bulldogs Unable To Score In Tourney Setback

Highlights

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team returned from a 19-day break, but suffered a 3-0 loss in a non-league tilt against the RIT Tigers on Thursday (Dec. 29) afternoon in the Sheraton/TD Bank Catamount Cup Tournament played at the Gutterson Fieldhouse in Burlington, Vt.

The non-conference loss dropped the nationally 11th-ranked Bulldogs to an 11-7-1 overall record. The Tigers improved to a 9-6-2 overall record. 

The Tigers were able to capitalize on a power-play opportunity with a goal 3:17 into the first period. Chris Saracino tallied his first goal of the season with the assists going to Mike Colavecchia and Cameron Burt. Burt had an assist on all three RIT goals. 

RIT struck again, this time with an even strength tally from Colavcchia 17:31 in the first period.

In the second period, Adam Hartley secured the three-goal win as he notched the second power play goal of the game 5:19 into the stanza. 

Although the Bulldogs weren't rewarded on the score board, they totaled 23 shots on goal, including a game-high nine in the second period. The Bulldogs outshot the Tigers 23-16 for the contest. FSU also held a 16-9 edge in scoring chances.

RIT's goaltender, Shane Madorlora, earned the shutout win by stopping all 23 shots on goal. FSU senior goaltender Taylor Nelson (Regina, Saskatchewan) suffered the loss as he made 16 saves.

FSU was 0-of-9 on the power play while the Tigers went 2-of-4 with the man-advantage. The Bulldogs had four penalties with eight minutes in the penalty box. The Tigers totaled nine penalties with 21 minutes.

Ferris State will look to get back in the win column on Friday (Dec. 30) night as the Bulldogs wrap up the tournament against the host University of Vermont Catamounts in a 7:05 p.m. tilt at the Gutterson Fieldhouse in Burlington. The action can be heard live on Sunny 97.3 FM and on the Bulldog Sports Network at www. FerrisStateBulldogs.com with Dominic Hennig calling the action.