Gutsy Effort Propels Bulldogs Past #11 Minnesota State

Postgame Highlights 

Mankato, Minn. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team dug in for a 2-1 Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) road victory over the nationally #11-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks on Friday (Dec. 2) inside the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.

The Bulldogs bound together and combined for a staggering 27 blocked shots, while sophomore goaltender Noah Giesbrecht made 33 saves for his and Ferris State's second consecutive victory.

Ferris State quieted the raucous Mavericks' crowd with a goal 5:55 into the contest, when freshman forward Tyler Schleppe finessed past Minnesota State defenseman Jake Livingstone, tripped, regained his feet, took a shot that was stopped by MSU goaltender Keenan Rancier, and potted the rebound for his third goal of the year. Sophomore forward Nick Nardecchia (5) and junior defenseman Drew Cooper (5) combined for the helpers on Schleppe's goal for the 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs doubled up on the lead when junior defenseman Ben Schultheis, who led the Bulldogs with six blocked shots on the night, netted his first collegiate goal on the rush from the high slot at 12:27 of the opening frame. Senior forward Jason Brancheau (4) picked up the assist on the Schultheis goal for a 2-0 Bulldog lead.

While the Mavericks continued to pepper the Bulldog net, Giesbrecht stood firm until the Mavericks broke the shutout on the power play at 1:59 of the third period on David Silye's goal to make it 2-1 Ferris State.

The Mavericks had a late chance on when a puck got behind Giesbrecht, but Ferris State senior defenseman Matt Slick dove behind the puck onto the goal line to keep it out and preseve the 2-1 Bulldog victory.

With the effort in goal, Giesbrecht's hot run has him at a .974 save percentage in his last three appearances for Ferris State, allowing two goals on 77 shots faced. Rancier took the loss for the Mavericks on 11 stops.

On the night, Ferris State was not afforded a power play opportunity, while Minnesota State went 1-2. The Mavericks had a 34-13 shots on goal advantage on the night.

Ferris State aims to take the series sweep on Saturday (Dec. 3) in Mankato, with puck drop set for 7:07 p.m. ET (6:07 p.m. CT).