Oct. 23, 1999

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. - Ferris State used three power-play goals and the steady goaltending of sophomore Phil Osaer to defeat visiting Notre Dame, 4-1, in Central Collegiate Hockey Association action Saturday at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

Notre Dame (1-4-0, 0-3-0 CCHA) continued its recent road struggles versus Ferris State, as the Irish are just 1-5-0 in their last six games vs. FSU outside the Joyce Center (with the Bulldogs owning a 24-15 scoring edge in those games).

Ferris State (2-3-0, 2-3-0 CCHA) converted on three of nine power-play chances, despite-cashing in just three of 31 man-up chances in its previous four games. Osaer made 30 saves while helping stop five of six Irish power plays. For the season, Osaer has totaled 79 saves while allowing just five goals in three games.

The teams will conclude the weekend series in a 5:00 p.m. Sunday game at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Bulldogs claimed a 2-1 lead early in the third period, after a holding-the-stick penalty on Irish junior left wing Dan Carlson had been called at the end of the second period. FSU junior defensemen Jim Dube and Scott Lewis moved the puck around the power-play set to senior left wing Brent Wishart, who sent a quick shot from the right side of the crease that tucked under the outstretched right leg of Irish sophomore goaltender Jeremiah Kimento (0:31).

FSU added to its lead three minutes later, when senior center Rob Kozak raced down the right side and dropped a power-play pass back to freshman defenseman Troy Milam at the top of the right circle. Milam cranked a rising slapshot that beat Kimento to the glove side, for a 3-1 cushion (3:45).

The Bulldogs sealed the game in the closing minutes. Junior transfer right wing Rob Lightfoot capitalized on an Irish turnover to set up a goal by senior center Brian McCullough for the games only even-strength goal (17:52).

Both teams converted power-play goals during a penalty-filled second period that saw the squads combine for 20 penalty minutes (10 each).

Notre Dame tied the game midway through the second period, following a hooking penalty on FSU freshman right wing Phil Lewandowski. The Irish forced a turnover behind the FSU net and senior defenseman Tyson Fraser fired a pass from the right corner. Carlson took the pass at the top of the right circle and hesitated before casually flicking a low shot that beat Osaer to the far stick side (10:07).

FSU had claimed a 1-0 lead just minutes earlier, cashing in a roughing penalty on Irish senior left wing Andy Jurkowski. Lewandowski and Milam set up the score, with senior center Ron Kozak tipping home a shot from Milam.

The scorelss first period included two power-play chances for FSU and one for the Irish in the final minutes, with Notre Dame holding a 9-7 edge in shot during the first 20 minutes.

NOTES: Carlsons goal was his first in the last 19 regular-season games and second in the last 22 games overall (he scored in the 3-2 CCHA playoff win over Northern Michigan) ... Notre Dame still has managed just one first-period goal this season (in the 4-0 win over Union)

 
FERRIS STATE 0 1 3 - 4
NOTRE DAME   0 1 0 - 1

2nd: FSU 1. Kozak (Milam, Lewandowski), ND 1. Carlson 1 (Fraser), PP, 10:07.
3rd: FSU 3. Wishart 2 (Swider, Dube), PP, 0:31, FSU 3. Milam 1 (Kozak) 3:45, FSU 4. McCullough 1 (Lightfoot) 17:52.
Shots: ND 9-13-9/31, FSU 7-8-12/27.
Saves: ND (Kimento) 7-7-9/23, FSU (Osaer) 9-12-9/30.
Power Play: ND 1-for-6, FSU 3-for-9.
Penalties: ND 10 for 20:00, FSU 7 for 14:00.