#13 Ferris State Tops #5 Ohio State In Opener

Highlights 
Post Game Press Conference 
Radio Broadcast On Demand

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nationally 13th-ranked Ferris State University men's ice hockey team topped the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in a 4-3 Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) contest on Friday evening (Jan. 20) at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

With the win, the Bulldogs are now 15-8-2 overall along with 9-6-2 in the conference. Ferris State is on a current five-game unbeaten streak (4-0-1). Ohio State fell to 14-7-3 overall and is now 10-6-3 in the CCHA. Although Ohio State is still atop the conference standings, they are battling a five-game winless skid.

Senior forward Jordie Johnston (Rosetown, Saskatchewan) began the scoring at the 6:23 mark of the first period as he tallied his 14th goal of the season on a power-play. Freshman defender Simon Denis (Burnarby, British Columbia) and junior Matthew Kirzinger (Leroy, Saskatchewan) received the assists. Johnston and Kirzinger are both on five-game scoring streaks. Johnston's streak includes six goals while Kirzinger has had three multi-point games in that time frame.

Junior forward Kyle Bonis (Lindsay, Ontario) netted the Bulldogs' second goal with 4:49 left in the first period. He buried the puck on the high glove side. Junior forward Eric Alexander (Kentwood) notched the helper on the play.

Alexander opened the second period scoring as he tallied a power play goal 4:14 into the stanza to give FSU a 3-0 advantage. Senior defender Derek Graham (Schoolcraft), who has played forward the past two weekends, and Bonis earned the assists on the play.

FSU's advantage grew to 4-0 at the seven-minute mark of the second period when senior defenseman Chad Billins (Marysville) scored on the power play. Billins' wrister came from a play started by Denis and junior forward Travis Ouellette (Windsor, Ontario).

The Buckeyes finally buried their first goal 43:10 into the game as Tanner Fritz found the back of the net.

Midway through the third period, OSU struck again with Chris Crane scoring the even-strength goal. Then, two minutes later, at 12:46 OSU's Darik Angeli scored again to make the score 4-3.  However, the Bulldogs were able to hold on to earn the victory.

Senior netminder Taylor Nelson (Regina, Saskatchewan) received the win as he recorded 30 saves. Ohio State's Brady Hjelle took the loss by allowing all four Bulldog goals. Cal Heeter appeared in relief for OSU and did not allow a Bulldog goal.

OSU had a slight shot advantage as the Buckeyes outshot Ferris State 33-32 for the night. The Bulldogs converted on three-of-six power play opportunities. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes only scored once out of their eight man-advantage chances. Ferris State also owned a 42-33 edge in faceoffs.

The two teams will compete again on Saturday (Jan. 21) night at 7:05 p.m. (ET) in Columbus. Fans can listen live on Sunny 97.3 FM or the Bulldog Sports Network at www.FerrisStateBulldogs.com.  Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. (ET).