Ferris State Hockey Starts CCHA Play with Overtime Win at Northern Michigan

CCHA Game Highlights 

Marquette, Mich. – The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team earned a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Northern Michigan as the Bulldogs began their conference schedule on Friday (Oct. 27) at the Berry Events Center in Marquette.

Ferris State (2-2-1) played its first Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) game of the year, traveling to Northern Michigan to take on the Wildcats.

Noah Giesbrecht had a terrific night between the pipes for FSU, stopping 31 of 32 shots sent his way. He earned his second win of the season.

Jason Brancheau opened the scoring on the night, tallying his third goal of the year at 4:47 in period two. Antonio Venuto sent a pass to the backside where Brancheau was waiting to punch in the Bulldogs' first goal of the night and give them a 1-0 lead. Stepan Pokorny also assisted.

Northern Michigan answered with its lone tally of the night at 16:52. Andre Ghantous beat Giesbrecht to even the score at 1-1, while Grant Slukynsky and Aiden Gallacher assisted on the goal.

Neither team scored in the third period, and FSU played its third overtime period of the season. Northern Michigan had multiple chances in overtime to win it, but Giesbrecht slammed the door on every opportunity the Wildcats had.

With 23 seconds left in overtime, Kaleb Ergang scored his third goal of the season to win it for Ferris State. Connor McGrath tallied the assist, and the Dawgs started CCHA play 1-0.

Northern Michigan entered the night with one of the best power plays in the country, but the Bulldogs went 2-2 on the penalty kill. FSU had three power plays of their own, but failed to convert any of their chances.

The Bulldogs had 29 shots on goal, while Northern Michigan had 32. Faceoffs favored NMU 33-25.

Brenden MacLaren led the Bulldogs with four shots on goal, while Venuto and Nick Hale each had three. Kristof Papp led the Wildcats with six shots on goal and Ghantous had five.

Beni Halasz saved 27 of 29 shots from the Bulldogs and took the loss in net for Northern Michigan.

The Bulldogs will be back in action Saturday (Oct. 28) night to conclude the series with Northern Michigan. Puck drop is set for 6:07 p.m. (ET).