Bulldogs Push #2 Mavericks Early But Fall In League Play

Mankato, Mn. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team battled, but fell 4-1 to the nationally #2-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks on Sunday (Jan. 24) at the Mayo Clinic Health System Events Center in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) play.

Ferris State senior forward Coale Norris had a power play goal for the Bulldogs while junior goaltender Roni Salmenkangas made 32 stops.

The Bulldogs got off to a hot start and hit the cross bar twice on Minnesota State goaltender Dryden McKay, but were unable to crack the Mavericks first.

The Mavericks scored twice in the first period, first when Brendan Furry scored at 5:43 on a deflection in front for a 1-0 MSU lead.

On a later power play, Julian Napravnik made it 2-0 for the game-winning goal at 11:01 on a one-timer from the right wing circle.

At the end of the first period, Norris ripped in a one-timer from the low slot to cut the Maverick lead to 2-1. Senior forward Lucas Finner (5) and junior forward Justin Michaelian (5) picked up assists on the power play tally.

In the second period, Cade Borchardt gave the Mavericks a 3-1 lead on the power play at 4:59 of the middle frame. Walker Duehr capped the scoring at 17:09 of the second frame for the 4-1 final.

Ferris State went 1-2 on the man advantage while Minnesota State finished 2-3. The Mavericks officially were credited with 36 shots to the Bulldogs 15.

For the Mavericks, McKay made 14 saves for the victory.

Ferris State hits the road to take on Northern Michigan on Friday (Jan. 29) at the Berry Events Center in Marquette at 7:07 pm ET.