Bulldogs place third in Mariucci Classic

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State lost 3-2 in the opening round of the Mariucci Classic against Bemidji State, only to skate to a 2-2 tie against host Minnesota the following night.

The Bulldogs found themselves playing catch-up on Friday night, as they went into the third period down by a 2-0 margin. Just 1:44 into the final frame, junior winger Aaron Schmit broke Ferris State's scoring drought with his second marker of the campaign. Earning helpers on the play were linemate Derek Graham and defenseman Scott Czarnowczan.

Over a minute later however, the Beavers' Drew Fisher would respond with the game-winning goal.

With two minutes remaining, junior forward Jordie Johnston narrowed the deficit to one by sneaking the puck past Bemidji State goaltender Dan Bakala.

Bakala racked-up 35 saves, while Taylor Nelson recorded 19.

In the consolation game, the Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame when sophomore Matthew Kirzinger scored on the power-play with 4:09 elapsed.

Toward the end of the period, Minnesota got on the scoreboard when Jake Hansen knocked-in a rebound on Ferris State netminder Pat Nagle.

Senior defenseman Brett Wysopal restored the Bulldogs' lead at 16:28 in the second by beating the Golden Gophers' Kent Patterson with a wrist shot from the left circle.

On Minnesota's first power-play advantage of the third period, Jay Barriball redirected Hansen's one-timer to even-up the score.

After a scoreless overtime, the game officials decided not to hold a shootout to determine a winner, much to the dismay of all those in attendance.

Nagle held a 32-27 edge in saves over Patterson.

Wysopal was the only Ferris State representative on the six-member Mariucci Classic All-Tournament Team (formerly the Dodge Holiday Classic).

The Bulldogs (9-8-3 overall) will resume their CCHA schedule this weekend with a pair of road games against Bowling Green State.

Wildcats win big at Dodge Classic

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

The Northern Michigan Wildcats started 2010 off with a bang by winning the Dodge Holiday Classic in Minneapolis. The offensive energy and steadfast play by goalie Brian Stewart paid off as the team blanked Clarkson, 4-0, and then beat Minnesota, 4-2, to take the title.

Clarkson managed only four shots on net in the first period of Saturday's game, leaving plenty of room for Northern to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Phil Fox scored first, off assists by Mark Olver and Justin Florek. Near the end of the period, Olver banged in his own rebound. Florek was also credited with an assist on Olver's goal.

Clarkson's offense heated up in the second period, but Stewart was consistent in net. Clarkson also had the advantage on special teams, having four power plays to the 'Cats' one, but Northern made their chance count. Gregor Hanson and Erik Gustafsson set up Jared Brown for a power-play goal at 5:35 of the second. Less than a minute later, Chad Pietila lit the lamp for his second goal of the year. Tyler Gron and Mike Maltese assisted.

Stewart was perfect in goal with 29 saves.

Sunday's final started roughly for the 'Cats as Minnesota outshot them, 18-7, and went up 1-0 going into the first intermission.

The Wildcats found their legs in the second period. Although Minnesota still dominated in shots on goal, Northern took the lead. Olver and Gustafsson set up Hanson for a power-play goal, and then Hanson and Matt Butcher asssisted on Ray Kaunisto's goal. Minnesota scored late in the period, but Kauinsto notched his second goal in the final seconds to give Northern the lead heading into the third period.

Minnesota again outshot Northern in the third period, but Stewart denied all of their efforts and allowed Northern to maintain their lead. At 16:16 of the third, TJ Miller widened that lead to 4-2 with some help from Olver and Florek.

Stewart finished with 48 saves for NMU, now 9-8-4 overall.

The Wildcats' next test is against UP-rival Michigan Tech on Tuesday, January 12. The puck drops in Houghton at 7:30 p.m.