Key Third Period Goal Leads Michigan Tech To 2-1 Win Over #7 FSU Before Sellout Crowd

Highlights

Big Rapids, Mich. - A key third period power-play goal proved to be the game winner for Michigan Tech as the Huskies topped nationally seventh-ranked Ferris State by a 2-1 score in an exciting Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) evening tilt on Saturday (Oct. 25) before a sellout crowd at FSU's Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids.

The unbeaten Huskies completed a weekend sweep over FSU in a series decided by a single goal each night on the strength of David Johnstone's eventual game-winning goal at the 13:30 mark of the final period. It was assisted by Reid Sturos and Blake Pietila.

As was the case in Friday night's 1-0 Michigan Tech win, the finale went the distance with Ferris State receiving plenty of opportunities at various points in the contest. Overall, the Bulldogs held a slim 35-34 shot advantage in a grueling series between the two league schools.

Following a scoreless opening period, the Huskies finally took a 1-0 lead on Alex Gillies' power-play marker 2:20 into the second frame. His initial goal of the contest was aided by assists from Malcolm Gould and Tanner Kero.

However, the Bulldogs answered with their first goal of the weekend when junior forward Matt Robertson found the back of the net at 7:29 of the middle frame. Both sophomore forward Kyle Schempp and sophomore forward Ryan Lowney were credited with the helpers.

The remainder of the second period and a majority of the third period was back-and-fourth on the ice although FSU had to overcome adversity to remain in the game due to a difference in penalties. Overall, Ferris State had 10 infractions for 31 minutes with Michigan  Tech called seven times for 14 minutes in the box. The total gave MTU eight power-play tries to only three for FSU.

Michigan Tech capitalized on the large number of power-plays by converting twice for their two goals in the game while the Bulldogs were held scoreless in three opportunities with the man-advantage.

Ferris State was outshot 13-11 in the opening frame, but had 15 shots in period two to only eight for the Huskies. While playing shorthanded at points of the third period, FSU was then outshot 13-9 in the final period.

FSU senior goaltender CJ Motte finished with 31 saves for the Bulldogs while playing 58:30 in net before Ferris State went with the empty net in an effort to produce the equalizer at the end.

On the Michigan Tech end of the ice, Jamie Phillips had another solid performance in moving to 4-0-0 this year with 34 saves.

Johnstone picked up the game's first star for the Huskies while Robertson was the second star and Motte claimed the third for the Bulldogs.

Michigan Tech remained unbeaten on the year with a 4-0-0 mark both overall and in league play while defending conference champion Ferris State dropped to 2-3-0 overall after losses in its first two league outings.

Saturday night's sellout represented the Bulldogs' 18th full house in the last two-plus seasons at the Ewigleben Ice Arena and it also marked the 53rd consecutive regular-season sellout for the "Dawg Pound" student section.

The Bulldogs will hit the road next Friday and Saturday (Oct. 31-Nov. 1) for a non-league series against the Michigan State Spartans at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing. Action gets underway each night at 7:07 p.m. (ET) with Friday's series' opener being televised by Comcast.

After the trip to East Lansing, the Bulldogs travel to Northern Michigan to resume league play on Nov. 7-8 before coming back to Big Rapids to host Alaska-Anchorage on Nov. 13-14. Tickets for all home contests can be purchased in advance at StarTickets.com or by calling 1-800-585-3737. More information is also available online at FerrisStateBulldogs.com.