Bulldogs outshine MSU with Thompson hat trick

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

In their first game back to ring in the new year, Ferris State extended their winning streak to two games following a 3-0 decision at home against Michigan State on Saturday.

The victory avenges a 3-1 loss to the Spartans from three weeks prior and moves them into a fourth-place tie with Ohio State in the CCHA standings.

Junior forward Garrett Thompson began his night-long terror midway through the second period by beating Michigan State goaltender Jake Hildebrand while on the man-advantage. Assists were credited to junior defenseman Scott Czarnowczan and senior forward Travis Ouellette.

It wasn't long after until Thompson found the net again, this time from the right corner off a breakaway pass by sophomore defenseman Jason Binkley with 15:17 elapsed.

Freshman forward Matt Roberston fed Thompson a pass with 34 seconds remaining in the third to complete the hat trick, which came via an empty-netter.

Sophomore netminder C.J. Motte stopped 23 shots to record his third shutout of the campaign and improve to 8-8-3 as a starter.

At the other end of the ice, Hildebrand (3-7-2) had 28 saves to his credit.

The Bulldogs (9-8-3 overall, 7-6-1 CCHA) look to break away from Ohio State in the standings this weekend when the two play in Big Rapids, while the Spartans (5-12-3 overall, 4-9-1 CCHA) welcome conference leader Notre Dame to Munn Ice Arena.