Bulldogs split opening series with Colgate

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State opened the 2013-2014 season this past weekend, where they split a pair of games on the road against Colgate.

The Big Reds grabbed the early lead in Saturday's match-up, with Mike Borkowski and Andrew Black scoring less than two minutes apart in what would be the only scores of the first period.

The ensuing stanza went the way of the Bulldogs, beginning with a marker by senior forward Corey Kane at 3:53 off a pass from junior defenseman Jason Binkley.

A power-play goal by senior defenseman Scott Czarnowczan at 13:29 would even-up matters at two goals apiece, which came while on a 4-on-3 advantage.

Another three minutes would pass before Ferris State found the back of the net, this time off the stick of Binkley with help from forward Justin DeMartino and defenseman Brandon Anselmini.

Colgate's Tyson Spink made it a 4-3 affair with a pair of goals to begin the third, but the lead was short-lived as freshman Kyle Schempp banged one in on goaltender Charlie Finn with 3:01 elapsed.

Senior forward Garrett Thompson tallied the game-winning goal at 5:49 off a feed from junior forward Justin Buzzeo while on the power-play to give the lead back to the Bulldogs. Just before the midway point of the frame, Thompson returned the favor by setting-up an insurance goal for Buzzeo.

In the final minute of play, sophomore forward Matt Robertson scored on an unassisted empty-netter to secure a 7-4 victory for Ferris State.

The Bulldogs converted on two of four power-play opportunities, while the Big Reds were successful in one of three attempts.

Junior netminder C.J. Motte held a 28-25 advantage in saves over Finn.

Sunday's series finale had far less theatrics, with Colgate forcing the split with a 1-0 decision.

An interference call against Ferris State's Ryan Downey in the second period proved to be the catalyst, as Kyle Baun snuck the puck past sophomore goaltender Charles Williams while on the power-play at 10:28.

Earning helpers on the play were Borkowski and Spink.

Eric Mihalik stopped 25 shots en route to a shutout for Colgate, compared to Williams' 28-save effort.

The Bulldogs (1-1 overall) continue their non-conference schedule next week as they venture to Mercyhurst on Tuesday, October 15, before heading home for a two-game slate against St. Lawrence that Friday and Saturday.