BIG RAPIDS, Mich. â€Ã‚“ The Northern Michigan hockey teamfound out on Saturday night what a difference a day makes. Friday night the â€Ã‚˜Cats had 33 shots on goalin the 3-1 win over the Bulldogs. Saturdaynight it was a different story as Ferris State earned the split with a 5-1win. NMU had 18 shots on goal in theloss as the Bulldogs had 35 shots on goal. NMU is now 11-10-1 on the season and 9-7-0 in the CCHA. Ferris improves to 17-6-1 and 12-3-1.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 2-0 in the first periodon goals by Derrick McIver at 3:36 and Chris Kunitz at 14:06. Peter Michelutti would score a power playgoal at 18:25 to narrow the gap to 2-1. Mike Stutzel and Bryce Cockburn assisted.
Ferris State then would score three un-answered goals to putthe game away. In the second period Greg Rallo at 9:23 and Brett Smith at 15:53both scored a power play goal to widen the Bulldog lead to 4-1. The final goal of the night came at 4:42 ofthe third period as Rallo scored his second goal of the game for the finalmargin.
Craig Kowalski started the game in goal for the Wildcats ashe lasted a little over two periods of play (44:42). He had 24 saves on the night with five goals against. Tuomas Tarkki played a little over 15minutes (15:18) and had six saves. MikeBrown picked up the win for the Bulldogs with his 17 saves.
NMU will be home next weekend (Jan. 24-25) to host fromCollege Hockey America (CHA) Alabama-Huntsville. The Chargers are in first place in the CHA.
