Bulldogs rout Ryerson in exhibition

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Last year's national runner-up Ferris State University kicked-off the 2012-2013 campaign with an 8-2 exhibition win at home over Ryerson University on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs began their scoring binge late in the opening period, when sophomore forward Nate Milam tallied an unassisted marker with 13:19 elapsed.

Two minutes later, junior forward Garrett Thompson joined in on the action, finishing off defenseman Travis White's pass to make it a 2-0 affair.

Senior forward and Ferris State captain Kyle Bonis made it a 3-0 affair with 2:02 left in the frame, with helpers being credited to linemates Travis Ouellette and Thompson.

In the ensuing frame, the Bulldogs extended their lead to five following a pair of goals within a 22 second span. At the 3:09 mark, junior forward Justin DeMartino lit the lamp, followed by a score from forward Kenny Babinski.

Midway through the second, tempers would flare between Ferris State's Eric Alexander and the Rams' Mark Corbett, resulting in game misconducts being assessed to both players.

A penalty for too many men on the ice against the Bulldogs helped open up Ryerson's first goal, as David Searle scored on the man-advantage with a little over five minutes remaining in the stanza.

31 seconds into the final period, Ryerson shrank the deficit to three goals on a feed by Daniel Lombardi to Michael Fine that found its way past netminder Rob Grannett.

The Bulldogs answered back shortly thereafter, as DeMartino banged in his second of the contest with help from freshmen duo Matt Robertson and Babinski.

With less than two minutes left in regulation, Robertson made it a 7-2 affair after finishing off a feed from sophomore forward Justin Buzzeo.

DeMartino beat Rams' goaltender Louie George with 22 seconds remaining to complete the hat trick. Earning helpers on that play were junior forward Andy Huff and Buzzeo.

Ryerson's three goaltenders combined for 36 saves, led by Steve Gleeson's 16 stops in the second period.

At the other end of the ice, C.J. Motte (10 saves), Charles Williams (five) and Grannett (11) each played one period apiece for Ferris State, with Motte earning the lone shutout.

The Bulldogs open their schedule with a non-conference series this weekend when they travel to Troy, New York for a two-game slate against RPI. Puck drop for both contests is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

FSU wins exhibition against Toronto

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State scored a power play goal in each period on their way to blanking the University of Toronto 5-0 in Sunday's exhibition.

Both teams remained deadlocked until the less than four minutes remained in the opening period, when sophomore forwards Jordie Johnston and Matthew Kirzinger helped to set-up a man-advantage marker for defenseman Scott Czarnowczan.

Just over two minutes later, freshman forward Justin Buzzeo added an insurance goal after finishing off a pass from senior defenseman Chad Bilins.

A slashing call against the Varsity Blues midway through the second allowed the Bulldogs to set-up another power play goal, which would be the lone score of the period. Johnston banged one in with 12:34 elapsed to give both Billins and Kirzinger their second assists of the contest.

In a third period chock full of penalties and misconducts, Ferris State continued to protect their lead, adding goals from junior Kyle Bonis and freshman T.J. Schlueter.

Bulldogs' head coach Bob Daniels had all three of his netminders (Taylor Nelson, C.J. Motte and Rob Granett) each play separate periods, with Nelson tallying a team-high 10 saves.

Ferris State officially opens the 2011-2012 season this Friday and Saturday when they travel to St. Lawrence, New York for a two-game tilt against the Saints.

MTU victorious in Saturday exhibition

By Andy Bourdeau, MTU Beat Writer

Courtesy of TechHockeyGuide.com

The Michigan Tech Huskies started off the season with an exhibition game against Canadian university Lakehead Saturday night and came away with a 5-3 victory.

Jacob Johnstone led the way, getting the first hat trick of the year for the Huskies.

“There are some things we need to work on, but overall, the team played well tonight,” MTU head coach Mel Pearson stated. “It is good for the team to play late in the third with the lead, so they can learn to hold it.”

Tech took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission when Johnstone took a pass from Ryan Furne and buried his chance on the Lakehead netminder. Ryan Sweeney was credited with an assist as well.The Huskies continued to pressure, but could not find the net again in the first.

In the second, Lakehead scored two in a row, both on the power play. Blake Pietala tied it back up at 2 when he found the rebound off of a Jordan Baker shot and buried it. Brett Olson also received an assist on the goal, but 30 seconds later, Lakehead took the lead again, 3-2.

The Huskies battled back and tied the game at 3 when Patrick McCadden netted his first of the season. Assists went to Alex MacCleod and Carl Nielson. Then it was Johnstone getting his second, from Tanner Kero and Nielson. Tech also put one in the net at the end of the second, but time expired just before the puck crossed the goal line.

In the third, both teams came out and looked a bit sluggish. With the goalie pulled, David Johnstone had a great chance to get his first goal, but ended up missing an empty-netter. A minute later his older brother did not miss the empty net and completed his first hat trick as a Husky.

“I really like how we battled back, especially in the second when we were down a goal”, Pearson added.

When talking about the young players, Pearson said, “I like Sweeney and his ability to carry the puck. (Blake) Pietala is big and you can tell he has already played college games and Kero really showed his speed tonight.”

Josh Robinson started in net and played the entire game, making 21 saves on 24 shots.

Pearson explained, “I really liked how Robo bounced back after letting in a few goals. We thought it was important to let him have that oppurtunity.”

MiCHO Analysis: The Huskies got off to the start they had hoped, getting a win, letting the offensive open up and getting many people to the game - 2520 to be exact. The student section was completely full. In fact, the arena had more people at this game than MiCHO saw in the last year and a half. The student section was loud and rocking and the Huskies came out and showed speed and skill. Although the team has some items to work on, this is a team that will surprise some teams.

Bulldogs downed in exhibition by OIT

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State lost a 3-2 exhibition to the Ontario Institute of Technology on Saturday night, despite outshooting their opponent, 53-24.

Sophomore forward Travis Oullette put the Bulldogs ahead at 5:40 in the first period by banging in a rebound while on the man-advantage. Seniors Nate Hennig and Zach Redmond both earned helpers on the play.

The Ridgebacks evened-up the score with 2:34 left in the second period, as Josh Vatri snuck the puck past junior goaltender Taylor Nelson.

In the third period, momentum would quickly swing back and forth between the two teams. Ontario Tech took control of the game with a marker by Tony Rizzi just four minutes into the third, but the Bulldogs would answer back shortly thereafter with a lamplighter by freshman Garrett Thompson.

28 seconds later, the Ridgebacks would regain the lead on a game-winning goal by Brendan Wise.

Ferris State netminders Pat Nagle and Nelson combined for 21 saves, while Tech's Jeff Dawson finished with 51 stops.

The Bulldogs officially begin the 2010-2011 season on Oct. 7-8, when they travel to Alabama-Huntsville for a weekend series.

MSU hammers NTDP in exhibition

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan State Beat Writer

Michigan State defeated the United States National Under-18 Team, 8-2, Monday night at Munn Ice Arena in an exhibition contest.

The Spartans had seven different goal scorers. Daultan Leveille had two goals and an assist and Corey Tropp and Derek Grant each tallied a goal and a helper.

Brock Shelgren, Brett Perlini, Nick Sucharski and Mike Merrifield scored the other goals for MSU.

For the NTDP, Michigan recruit Luke Moffatt and Brandon Saad tallied in the loss.

Bobby Jarosz and Kyle McMahon combined for 24 saves in the Spartans' net. Jarosz started and made 21 saves, while McMahon came in with 1:59 to play and stopped all three shots he faced.

Andy Iles started in goal for Team USA, but left just 1:24 into the game after allowing Shelgren's goal on MSU's first shot. Colin Stevens played the rest of the game and finished with 22 saves.

Michigan State hosts Lake Superior State this weekend at Munn.

Spartans top UWO in East Lansing

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Michigan State received goals from five different players in the team's 5-2 victory over Western Ontario Monday night.

Corey Tropp began the Spartan scoring with a shorthanded goal in the first period. Freshman forwards Derek Grant and Zach Golembiewski, and sophomore forwards Daultan Leveille and Trevor Nill also found the back of the net for the Spartans.

Leveille added an assist to finish as the only MSU skater with more than one point.

Drew Palmisano and Bobby Jarosz split time in net with Palmisano making 13 saves and Jarosz with seven.

The Spartans host Clarkson this weekend.

Michigan tops Windsor in exhibition

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

Michigan finished up its exhibition season with a 6-2 win over the University of Windsor Sunday night at Yost Ice Arena.

Carl Hagelin (pictured) scored two power-play goals to help the Wolverines pull away after being down, 2-1, 7:25 into the second period.

"Carl has shown that he is able to play," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "We're definitely seeing some really good things from him. Carl felt that he played really well last year, but he wasn't capitalizing on his chances. Now you can see that the puck is going in for him. It's good that he is gaining some confidence and he had a great weekend."

Louie Caporusso also tallied a pair to go along with singles from A.J. Treais and Chad Langlais.

Bryan Hogan started in net and made five saves before being replaced by Shawn Hunwick, who played the final 40 minutes and stopped nine shots for the win.

David Wohlberg tacked on two assists for the Wolverines.

Michigan will open its regular season with the Kendall Auto Hockey Classic in Anchorage, Alaska, next weekend. The Wolverines will face off against the Alaska Nanooks on Friday at 5:07 p.m. ADT before playing Alaska-Anchorage on Saturday (Oct. 10) at 7:07 p.m. ADT.

Photo courtesy UM Photo Services

Bulldogs lack bite in scrimmage

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

As the old adage goes, expect the unexpected.

That’s what Ferris State failed to recognize in their exhibition, as they came out on the losing end of a 3-1 margin against Wilfrid Laurer.

Having lost the previous night to Bowling Green, the Golden Hawks went after the Bulldogs with a vengeance. Less than four minutes into the game, Wilfrid Laurer’s Chad Kennedy blasted the puck from just inside the blue-line to beat senior goaltender Jordan Barber. The Golden Hawks struck again later in the period, when Jean-Michel Rizk scored from the right faceoff circle.

Junior Pat Nagle relieved Barber of his duties in the following stanza, but was still unable to halt the Wilfrid Laurer offense. With 8:38 elapsed, Ryan Bellows beat Nagle’s glove thanks to a nifty set-up by Jeff Burrows and ex-Wayne State skater Jordan Bonneville.

Three minutes later, Ferris State broke their scoring drought when defenseman Zach Redmond set-up a one-timer to fellow blue-liner Chad Billins.

Barber had a team-high nine saves, followed by Nagle’s eight. Sophomore Taylor Nelson saw playing time in the third period, where he made six stops.

The Bulldogs begin their season this Friday when they travel to Canisius for a two-game series, with puck-drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Michigan Tech wins season warm-up

by Andy Bourdeau/Michigan Tech Beat Writer

Michigan Tech opened the season with an exhibition win over Ryerson, 3-1, Saturday night.

The Huskies came out strong, scoring one goal on the first two shifts, getting the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena excited for the home team. Ryerson settled down and played even with MTU the rest of the way.

It was senior captain Malcolm Gwilliam getting the first goal for the Huskies, 19 seconds into the game. The freshman line of Evan Witt, Aaron Pietila and Milos Gordic scored the second goal 28 seconds later when Pietila scored.

Ryerson made a game of it when they scored in the second. MTU goalie Josh Robinson made the initial save, but could not save the rebound. It stayed 2-1 until the third, when Witt was able to knock home a rebound off the stick of Pietila.

The contest was one where special teams were tested. MTU was unable to score, but had good puck movement throughout the chances. Tech was also able to kill all the power-play chances from Ryerson.

Robinson ended the game making 27 of 28 saves.

Michigan Tech head coach Jamie Russell had high praise for Robinson after the game.

" I thought Robinson was terrific," Russell said. "He had a great game for us. I think that bodes well for us in our future."

The Huskies open season play this Friday when they host Northern Michigan as part of the Superior Showcase.

Wolverines double U.S. Under-18 Team

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

In a battle of crosstown teams, Michigan defeated the United States National Under-18 Team tonight, 4-2, at Yost Ice Arena in an exhibition game.

Wolverines defenseman Brandon Burlon scored 13 seconds into the game and Michigan never trailed.

Carl Hagelin added two goals for UM and AJ Treais, an NTDP alum, tallied the other to back Bryan Hogan's 26-save performance. Ben Winnett added two assists.

"I got a good look at our freshman," said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. "For the most part, I thought for the first game for Michigan against the development team, it was a good experience. They got some good ice time. I liked A.J. Treais , I liked [Kevin] Lynch, and I thought [Chris] Brown came on strong as the game went on. [Lindsay] Sparks didn't get as much power-play or special-teams time, but he can skate and play at this level. [Lee] Moffie fit right in on defense."

Jack Campbell made 35 saves in goal, while Jon Merrill and Adam Clendening each scored for Team USA.

"Well, it was what we expected," added Berenson. "They're a good team. They're all going to be Division I players next year. Their defense is as good as any Division I defense right now, so I thought they played a good game. They were in the game all night. We had to kill too many penalties. We put our chances in, but it was a closer game than the score might have shown."

The Under-18 Team's roster includes five players that have verbally committed to Michigan including Campbell, defensemen Kevin Clare and Merrill, and forwards Luke Moffatt and Jacob Fallon. Michigan's roster includes eight NTDP alumni including senior captain Chris Summers (2004-06), junior Matt Rust (2005-07), sophomores Robbie Czarnik (2006-08) and David Wohlberg (2006-08), and freshmen Brown (2007-09), Lynch (2007-09), Treais (2007-09) and Patrick Summers (2009).

Michigan will conclude its exhibition play tomorrow evening against the University of Windsor at 5:05 p.m.