Bulldog Hockey Falls 3-2 To Michigan Tech In Second Game Of Series

Houghton, Mich. – The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team fell 3-2 in Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) play against Michigan Tech on Saturday (Nov. 18) in the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton.

The Bulldogs (4-7-1) won in overtime during Friday's opener and could not complete the sweep as the Huskies battled for their first home CCHA win of the year. Logan Stein started again in net for Ferris State and made 30 saves on 33 shots faced Saturday.

Antonio Venuto stayed hot offensively, scoring his third goal of the weekend at 12:38 in the first period. He scored on the power play for the second time against Michigan Tech to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. His team-leading ninth goal of the season came from Jason Brancheau and Jack Mesic.

Michigan Tech answered at 4:04 in the second period on a Bulldog power play. Logan Pietila had a shorthanded breakaway and slotted a shot past Stein for the Huskies' first goal of the night. MTU took the lead at 12:00 courtesy of Tyrone Bronte from Blais Richartz and Alex Nordstrom.

The Bulldogs tied the score 2-2 late in the second period. Luigi Benincasa scored his first collegiate goal after Jacob Dirks forced a turnover in the corner and swept behind the net, firing a pass out in front that Benincasa buried.

Marcus Pedersen gave the Huskies another lead at 4:46 in the third period. Ryland Mosley and Trevor Russell assisted, giving the Huskies a lead they would not surrender.

Blake Pietila made multiple big saves down the stretch for Michigan Tech, and the Huskies stymied the Bulldogs' extra attacker push under 90 seconds left in regulation. Ultimately, Ferris State could not find the tying goal and fell in regulation.

Stein made 30 saves in his fourth loss of the season between the pipes for the Bulldogs. Blake Pietila earned his third win with 26 stops for the Huskies. Venuto's ninth goal of the year moved him into second place in the CCHA for goals scored, while his fourth power play tally also ranks second.

The Bulldogs were 1-3 on power play tries Saturday and killed the only penalty they committed. MTU had 33 shots on target and FSU had 28. The Huskies won the faceoff circle for the second night in a row with a 33-30 edge Saturday.

Ferris State will have a week off for the Thanksgiving break before returning home to host St. Thomas in CCHA action on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec 2. Friday's tilt has a 7:07 p.m. (ET) puck drop with Saturday's tilt beginning at 6:07 p.m. (ET).