Bulldogs Settle For Weekend Non-League Split, Fall to #18 Western Michigan

Postgame Highlights 
Postgame Interview - Coach Daniels 
Postgame Interview - Brad Marek 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team fell 6-4 to the nationally #18-ranked Western Michigan Broncos, settling for a weekend split against different nationally ranked foes on Saturday (Oct. 8) inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The Bulldogs got multi-goal games out of freshman forward Connor McGrath (2) and sophomore forward Bradley Marek (2) on the night.

Ferris State jumped in front at 8:25 of the first period when McGrath split the wickets of Western Michigan goaltender Kirk Laursen for his first collegiate goal on the man advantage. Ferris State senior defenseman Blake Evennou (1) and senior forward Dallas Tulik (1) earned the helpers on the play for a 1-0 Bulldog lead.

In the second period, Ferris State took advantage on the rush when they crossed the zone to Bradley Marek, who batted it in at 7:50 of the middle stanza for his first goal of the year. Evennou (2) and junior forward Jason Brancheau (1) picked up the assists on the goal, giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage.

Ferris State increased the lead to 3-0 when McGrath snuck out in front of the goal and fired a cross-cage shot at 8:57 for his second career goal and second of the night at 8:57 of the middle frame. Tulik picked up his second assist of the night and season on the goal.

The Broncos went on a charge to take a 6-3 lead, scoring at 10:53 on the man advantage (Zak Galambos) followed by goals at 14:46 (Jason Polin), 15:55 (Carter Berger), and 19:43 (Ryan McAllister) for a 4-3 edge to wrap up the second period.

In the third, Ethan Wolthers scored at 1:05, followed up by Polin for Western Michigan at 16:34 on the power play for the 6-3 edge.

The Bulldogs gained one back when Marek scored his second of the game and season at 19:48 on the power play. Junior defenseman Drew Cooper (1) and junior forward Mitch Deelstra (1) added helpers on the goal.

Ferris State was outshot 35-22, though seven of that differential came in the second period. Both teams scored two power play goals, with Ferris State going 2-10 while Western Michigan went 2-5 on the man advantage.

In goal Ferris State sophomore Noah Giesbrecht took the loss on 21 stops and was relieved by junior Logan Stein, who made eight third period saves. Cameron Rowe picked up the win in goal for Western Michigan in relief (31:03 of ice time) by making 10 stops.

Ferris State is back in action against the Canisius Golden Griffins on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 14-15) inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena at 7:07 p.m. (ET) both nights.