Ferris State Hockey Skates To Win Over U.S. Under 18 Squad On Home Ice

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey squad hit the ice and opened the year with a victory as the Bulldogs skated to a 3-1 exhibition contest over the U.S. Under 18 team on Saturday (Oct. 6) evening inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The Bulldogs scored a goal in each of the three periods of action and received a 44-save performance in net from goaltender Justin Kapelmaster in coming away with the win. The squad from the National Team Development Program (NTDP) featured some of the nation's top potential draft picks for next year's NHL Draft.

The USA squad got on the board first only 3:33 into the first when Matthew Boldy recorded an even-strength goal aided by Trevor Zegras and Cam York.

However, the Bulldogs answered back late in the opening stanza when Frankie Melton scored his first goal as a Bulldog on the power play off assists from Zach Yoder and Zac Tierney.

Ferris State took its first lead at 18:51 of the second when Liam MacDougall scored the eventual game-winner at even-strength on a goal aided by Cooper Zech and Lucas Finner.

Finner then scored a goal of his own 5:42 into the third to help ice the victory with MacDougall picking up his second point of the evening.

Team USA held a 45-27 edge in total shots, but Kapelmaster made 44 saves, including 10 in the first period, 19 in the second and 15 in the third.

Cameron Rowe suffered the loss for the visitors with 24 saves in the losing effort.

Overall, the Bulldogs went one-of-six on the power play, but were a perfect five-of-five on the penalty kill. FSU was called for six penalties netting 12 minutes in the box with the US whistled seven times for 14 times.

Ferris State will return to the ice on Sunday (Oct. 7) as the Bulldogs host Lethbridge (Canada) in a 3:07 p.m. (ET) exhibition tilt on home ice. Tickets are on sale and fans can call (231) 591-2888 for additional information or visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com.