Bulldogs earn split in Marquette

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State returned from the Upper Peninsula this past weekend essentially in the same spot from which they left, splitting their weekend series with Northern Michigan.

Friday's match-up was tilted in favor of the Bulldogs, who took the lead on a Brandon Anselmini power-play goal with 10:42 elapsed in the opening period. Earning assists on that play were senior forward Eric Alexander and sophomore defenseman Simon Denis.

In the ensuing period, Ferris State extended their lead thanks to an even-strength marker nearly eight minutes in by senior captain Kyle Bonis, who registered his team-leading 15th of the campaign.

Midway through the third, the Wildcats were able to cut the deficit in half courtesy of a Ryan Aynsley goal that came during a 3-on-3 situation.

With 11 seconds left in the contest, senior center Travis Ouellette scored an empty-netter to ensure a Bulldogs victory.

Ferris State goaltender C.J. Motte collected 23 stops, while Jared Coreau had 15 at the other end of the ice.

Northern Michigan evened-up matters in the series finale with a 3-0 shellacking, thanks in large part to a two-goal effort during the second period.

Following a scoreless opening stanza, the Wildcats came alive with a Mitch Jones lamp-lighter midway through the frame, and extended their lead on a Reed Seckel goal with 27 seconds left.

Zach Dorer's second roughing penalty of the third would come back to haunt the Bulldogs, as Northern's Stephan Vigier finished off a pass from Matt Thurber and Jones to beat Motte with under five minutes remaining in regulation.

Motte finished the contest with 30 saves, 13 of which came in the first period alone.

Coreau shied away all 19 shots to tally his first shutout of the season.

Northern Michigan (12-13-4 overall, 6-12-4-1 CCHA) travels to Michigan Tech tomorrow, before heading out to Lansing for a two-game set with Michigan State this weekend.

Ferris State (14-12-4, 12-10-2-1) plays host this Friday and Saturday to Bowling Green State, whom they swept back in November. The Bulldogs' senior class will be honored prior to the series finale, which also coincides with Hockey Day In Michigan.