Box Score
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- Ferris State got out to an early lead and the Western Michigan rally fell short as the Broncos fell to the Bulldogs, 5-2, at Ewigleben Ice Arena on Saturday night in front of 1,699 fans.
The Bulldogs got on the board early, with Aaron Lewicki taking a pass from FSU goalie Pat Nagle and skating the length of the ice to beat WMU goaltender Jerry Kuhn on his stick side. Lewicki's second of the season at 59-seconds gave Ferris State the early, 1-0 lead.
Two minutes later a turnover at the Western Michigan (1-4-1, 0-1-1-1 CCHA) blue line resulted in a two-on-one chance that resulted in a FSU goal. Brendan Connolly picked up the loose puck and dished to to Lewicki who beat Kuhn on his glove side for his second of the evening.
Ferris State added its third goal the period with 9:14 remaining, scoring on the power play. A shot by Scott Wietecha was redirected in front of the net by Cody Chupp to give FSU a 3-0 lead.
The Broncos had a five-on-three advantage for 1:56 early in the second period but the Ferris State penalty kill held strong, keeping WMU off the scoreboard.
The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 4-0 on a short-handed goal by Casey Haines. Haines intercepted and errant Bronco pass and skated in, firing the puck from the near circle and beating Kuhn on his stick side.
Early in the third period Ferris State pushed the lead to 5-0 on a goal by Chupp. Kuhn had the initial shot by Blair Riley stopped, but Chupp was there to put in the rebound.
The Broncos got on the scoreboard with 12:48 remaining in the third period. Chris Clackson deflected a shot by Tyler Ludwig into the net and passed Nagle for his fourth goal of the season.
Minutes later the Broncos struck again. This time Clackson dished the puck to Cam Watson who beat Nagle on his glove side for his first goal of the season and bring the Broncos within three. Freshman Greg Squires also picked up an assist on the goal, his third of the season.
Western Michigan travels to East Lansing to battle Michigan State on Friday at 7:05 p.m., with the Spartans heading to Lawson the following night at 7:35 p.m.
