Michigan Tech shuts out Ferris State Friday night in Big Rapids

tech boxBy Nick Barnowski –

BIG RAPIDS – The Michigan Tech Huskies moved to 3-0 in WCHA play after defeating No. 8 Ferris State 1-0 Friday night at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

Senior Blake Pietila’s goal 19 seconds into the third period broke a scoreless tie and earned the Huskies (3-0-0, 3-0-0 WCHA) a win on the road.

“I thought it was a gutsy win by our guys,” Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson said. “I thought it was a good hockey game and we just happened to get the break we needed to win the game.”

Winning on the road isn’t easy in Big Rapids. Ferris State went 16-1-1 at home last season and began the 2014-15 campaign with a 4-3 victory over Michigan on familiar ice.

To take down the No. 8-ranked Bulldogs (2-1-0, 0-1-0 WCHA), the Huskies knew a strong defensive effort and puck possession was key.

“Our defense did a really good job tonight of containing guys and getting pucks out to the forwards,” Pietila said. “I think we did a good job getting pucks behind them and playing in their own end.”

Preseason Mike Richter Award honoree CJ Motte (St. Clair) was stellar for the Bulldogs, stopping 41 of 42 shots to keep the game close for Ferris State. On the other side of the rink, MTU junior goalie Jamie Phillips recorded his first shutout of the season and second of his career, making 33 saves.

Michigan Tech’s 42 shots were the most they’ve had in a single-game this season. Ferris State did well to get into the shooting lanes, blocking 27 shots.

Pietila (Brighton) was the only player to find the back of the net.

Motte stopped a shot from the blueline but it trickled behind him, where Pietila grabbed it and attempted a centering pass. The puck bounced off of Motte’s skate and hit the post where a Bulldog tried to clear it, but it bounced off a teammate and slid into the net.

“I just threw it out front and I really don’t know what happened,” Pietila said. “It was a lucky break.”

A plethora of chances for both teams came on the power play as there were 17 combined penalties called. Michigan Tech went 0-6 with the man advantage but had 14 shots on goal, including two by Joel L’Esperance late in the third that were stopped by Motte.

Ferris State’s power play woes continued, as they are now 1-18 when up a man after going 0-4.

The Huskies missed out on home-ice advantage in the WCHA playoffs by one point last season, so to secure two on the road this early on was crucial, said Pearson.

“I think our league is going to be very strong this year and as many points you can get early in the year is big,” he said.

“Everyone knows we missed home ice in the playoffs by one point last year so every point is huge in this league,” Pietila said. “These games on the road are super important.”

Four of the last five games between the two schools have been decided by one goal. In a rivalry game away from home, Pearson was happy with the way his team played.

“Overall I was really pleased with the effort and thought our guys executed the game plan really well,” he said.

The Huskies and Bulldogs finish-up their weekend set Saturday night in Big Rapids. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.