Bulldogs lose both games in Catamount Cup

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State went into the Catamount Cup looking for an extra holiday gift or two, but instead were only able to unwrap a lump of coal.

Special teams proved to be the downfall for the Bulldogs, who surrendured two power-play goals against RIT in the opener, followed by another three against host Vermont on Friday night.

On Thursday, Ferris State was unable to muster any offense, losing a 3-0 decision to Atlantic Hockey's RIT.

The Tigers took advantage of a holding call against the Bulldogs early on, with Chris Saracino sneaking the puck past goaltender Taylor Nelson for his first of the campaign.

Later in the frame, Mark Colavecchia tallied an even-strength goal to make it 2-0 RIT after 20 minutes of play.

At the 5:19 mark of the second period, the Tigers notched another goal while on the man-advantage, with this one coming courtesy of Adam Hartley.

Cameron Burt had an assist on all three goals for RIT.

Earning the shutout victory for the Tigers was Shane Madolora with 23 saves, compared to Nelson's 16.

Ferris State had a much better showing against Vermont the following night, but was unable to overcome a potent Catamount offense in a 4-2 loss.

Down by a 2-0 margin heading into the middle stanza, the Bulldogs cut their deficit in half thanks to a shot by sophomore Justin DeMartino that found the back of the net. Earning helpers on that play were junior Eric Alexander and sophomore Scott Czarnowczan.

Momentum would swing back to Vermont later in the period, as Kyle Reynolds scored on the power-play to make it a 3-1 affair.

With 1:35 remaining in the second, Ferris State pulled within one when senior forward Jordie Johnston finished off a pass from freshman defenseman Simon Denis while on the power-play.

A slashing call on the Bulldogs' Tommy Hill midway through the third would prove fatal, as the Catamounts' Colin Markison cashed-in on the man-advantage to put Vermont ahead by two.

Netminder Rob Madore stopped 24 shots for the Catamounts to secure his third victory of the season.

At the other end of the ice, freshman C.J. Motte dropped to 4-4-1 as a starter, recording 20 saves.

Ferris State (11-8-1 overall) is set to play their next four games at home, beginning with a non-conference series against Colgate on January 6-7, before returning to their CCHA schedule the following weekend when they host Alaska.

Lakers take second at Catamount Cup

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers took second place at the Catamount Cup, which took place in Burlington, Vermont.

Thursday night, the Lakers defeated the host team Vermont Catamounts by the score of 5-3. After going down a pair in the first period, LSSU's Kellan Lain cut the deficit in half in the second. His goal was assited by Colin Campbell and Kevin Czuczman.

Less than two minutes later, senior Kyle Haines tied the game at 2 on a goal assisted by Fred Cassiani and Domenic Mondardo. The Lakers would take the lead at the end of the period, cashing in a power-play goal by Cassiani. His tally was assisted by Campbell and Haines.

Late in the third period, Nick McParland and Kyle Jean would add empty net goals for the Lakers to secure the victory. Monardo and Czuczman assited on McParland's empty-netter. Vermont would add a power-play goal of there own, to end the score at 5-3.

In net, Kevin Kapalka made 25 saves for the Lakers. Both teams went 1-4 on the power-play.

Friday night, the Lakers dropped the championship game to the fiesty Rochester Insitute of Technology Tigers, who ran the gauntlet on CCHA teams, defeating Ferris State the night before. The Lakers once again found themselves in an early hole, trailing 1-0 after the first period, and giving up two goals in a 36-second span to go down 3-0.

Halfway through the second period, the Lakers finally found the net, when McParland scored a goal assisted by Andrew Perrault and Buddy Robinson. LSSU was unable to find any more offense, and ultimately fell to RIT 3-1. McParland would also be named to the All-Tournament team.

Sophomore goaltender Kevin Murdock made 25 saves in the loss. Lake State was 0-2 on the power-play, while they held the Tigers 0-3.

The Lakers (12-8-2) will host Western Ontario Tuesday night in exhibition play.