Hockey Drops Series' Opener At Lake Superior State

Postgame: Cencer  

Big Rapids, Mich. - The 18th-ranked Ferris State University men's ice hockey team took an early lead, but fell short in a 4-1 road loss versus Lake Superior State in the opening game of a Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) weekend series at Taffy Abel Ice Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

After a scoreless opening period, the Bulldogs struck first with a goal at 15:07 of the second period by junior wing Justin DeMartino, which was his second of the 2012-13 campaign.  Both junior center Cory Kane and sophomore defenseman Simon Denis received assists on the first goal of the contest.

However, the Lakers came back quickly and took a 3-1 lead after two periods with three goals in the final minute of the second period.

LSSU's Kellan Lain notched his second marker of the season at 19:01 on an even-strength goal assisted by Zach Sternberg and Stephen Perfetto.

Then, only 13 seconds later, the Lakers scored again on Buddy Robinson's first goal of the season at 19:14 that was assisted by Nick McParland and Chris Ciotti.

Robinson wasted little time in picking up his second goal of the year and second of the contest as he scored again at 19:58 of the second off an McParland assist to give Lake Superior State a two-goal lead after two periods.

The Lakers notched the only goal of the final period at 19:17 on an empty netter from McParland that was assisted by Perfetto.

Overall, the Bulldogs held a slim 32-27 edge in shots on goal for the night.

Lake Superior State's Kevin Murdock picked up the victory in net as he made 31 saves on the night, including 12 in the final period.  Sophomore CJ Motte had 23 saves in the setback for the Bulldogs.

The Lakers finished with three penalties for six minutes while the Bulldogs had two penalties for four minutes.  Neither team was able to capitalize on the power play with FSU finishing 0-of-3 and the Lakers going 0-of-2.

Friday's contest was LSSU's annual "Pink In The Rink" event to support cancer research with players donning pink as part of their uniforms.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday (Nov. 10) night in the series' finale with the puck set to drop at 7:05 p.m. (ET) in Sault Ste. Marie.

Fans can listen to the live broadcast of the game on Sunny 97.3 FM and the Bulldog Sports Network with the Bush Insurance Pregame Show beginning at 6:30 p.m. (ET).