BC muzzles Ferris State in NCAA championship game

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

As the old saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end.'

For Ferris State, their magical run fell just shy of grabbing the championship, losing 4-1 to perrenial powerhouse Boston College in the national title game on Saturday.

The Golden Eagles wealth of talent and experience was prevalent from the onset, as they took advantage of a defensive breakdown at the Bulldogs' end to go up 1-0 just 3:18 into the contest.

Sophomore forward Garrett Thompson would return the favor shortly thereafter, going to his backhand to bang home Andy Huff's rebound on BC netminder Parker Milner from just outside the crease. In addition to Huff, linemate Travis Ouellette was also credited with a helper, giving him his 15th of the campign.

At the midway point of the frame, Boston College reclaimed the lead on a power-play marker from Paul Carey. The scoring play began when Pat Mullane dished the puck off to Brian Dumoulin, who then sent a crossing pass from the right faceoff circle over to Carey at the point for a one-timer.

Following a quiet second period of play for both sides, another turnover in Ferris State's defensive zone allowed for the Golden Eagles to strike again. Lighting the lamp this time was freshman Johnny Gaudreau, who split two defenders en route to beating Bulldogs' goaltender Taylor Nelson with a backhanded shot above the blocker pad.

With 1:03 remaining, Steven Whitney added an empty-netter for Boston College to help secure the team's third national championship in the last five years.

Nelson finished his college career with 33 saves, 27 of which came in the final two periods alone. At the oppsotie end, Milner tallied 27 stops.

"What a year," said Nelson. "I'm extremely proud of every individual in that locker room. All season long, we sacrificed for one another and bled for one another. And, as far as what it means to the program, I think in our minds, it's made history."

Despite the loss, senior defenseman Chad Billins and junior forward Kyle Bonis both earned a spot on the 2012 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.

Ferris State closes out the 2011-2012 season with a record of 26-12-5, which ties them for the second-most wins in school history.