Ferris State Hockey Captures First Ever Conference Tournament Championship

Postgame Press Conference Quotes

Postgame Video Highlights

Postgame Press Conference Video

Grand Rapids, Mich. — A 2-1 victory in the WCHA Championship game on Saturday (March 19) night at Van Andel Arena over the Minnesota State Mavericks gave Ferris State men's ice hockey its first ever conference tournament title, claiming the league's Broadmoor Trophy for the 2016 season.

Junior forward Gerald Mayhew continued his playoff career magic by netting the game-winning goal on a penalty shot in the second period. Senior defenseman Brandon Anselmini also scored for Ferris State, while freshman goaltender Darren Smith made 13 saves on 14 shots and earned the WCHA Tournament's Most Valuable Player honors.

The Mavericks were the first team on the board, when senior forward Bryce Gervais scored at 10:33 of the first period on the power play from Brad McClure and Jon Jutzi. McClure laced a shot from the faceoff circle to the right of Smith that Gervais deflected in between Smith's shoulder and the post.

Ferris State evened the score a little over three minutes later at 14:55 of the first when Anselmini netted his second of the year, also on the power play. Junior defenseman Ryan Lowney and sophomore forward Andrew Dorantes both had assists on the tying goal.

Anselmini came to the top of the faceoff circle to the right of Maverick goaltender Cole Huggins and wired a shot over his shoulder to make the score 1-1. 

In the second period, a scramble in front of the Minnesota State net yielded a big break for the Bulldogs. Maverick defenseman Carter Foguth closed his hand on the puck in the goal crease, and the officials awarded Ferris State a penalty shot.

After very little deliberation, Head Coach Bob Daniels sent Mayhew to take the shot, where he converted on a nifty move before going top shelf on Huggins.

Minnesota State attempted to push back, but Jaden Schmeisser took a 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct with 5:43 to play, and the Mavericks never recovered.

Ferris State took down both of the 2016 WCHA Regular Season Co-Champions in the Final Five after offing Michigan Tech on Friday (March 18) 1-0.

Three Bulldogs were named to the WCHA All-Tournament team, with Anselmini and Mayhew being joined by senior forward Kenny Babinski. Smith was named tournament MVP for Ferris State as well, allowing just one goal in FSU's last two playoff games.

Smith improved to 16-9-5 overall, as Ferris State moved to 19-14-6. Huggins was pegged with the loss, falling to 13-11-2 while the Mavericks finished 21-13-7.

The Bulldogs have earned the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament with their victory over the Mavericks, and will enter the NCAA tournament for the third time in the last five seasons. The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Selection Show will air at 12:00 pm ET on ESPNU. Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for more updates.