MANKATO, Minn. — No. 14 Minnesota State completed a home sweep of in-state rival, seventh-ranked St. Cloud State, with a 6-4 win on Saturday at the Verizon Wireless Center. The high-octane, physical contest consisted of a combined ten goals through the first two periods.
The Mavericks, who improved to 4-0 on the season, received two second-period goals from freshman forward Parker Tuomie. The goals were the first of the native of Germany’s career. Tuomie’s first goal came after collecting his own rebound in the slot off of SCSU freshmen goaltender, Zach Driscoll, before burying it over Driscoll’s outstretched blocker, to tie the score 4-4.
Following sophomore Chandler Madry’s go-ahead goal, Tuomie converted on a nice setup from senior linemate, Mike Huntebrinker. “Our line has clicked in all four games,” said Tuomie. “It was nice to contribute to that tonight.”
Tuomie arrived in the United States in 2013, spending the last three seasons playing for Sioux Falls of the USHL and Wenatchee of the NAHL, “In the college game, there are bigger bodies out there, much faster speed,” said Tuomie. “I’ve had to play much more defensively.”
Head coach Mike Hastings was eager to mention Tuomie’s breakout performance, “Parker had a breakout night,” said Hastings. “He crashed in a couple couples and we need them.” Hastings has dedicated a lot of attention to his freshman group, including Tuomie, “I think I need to leave him alone a little bit, let him grow. Hopefully that will help him continue to play like he has tonight.”
The Mavericks also received a pair of first-period goals from an unlikely candidate, junior defenseman, Clint Lewis. Lewis had one career goal to his name entering Saturday’s contest. His first tally came on a point-shot twenty seconds into the game, while his second was a deflection off the leg of a Huskies defender.
“The first goal I received a great screen from CJ Franklin, Driscoll never even saw it,” said Lewis. Officials took a long look at Lewis’ second marker, suspecting a potential kick from sophomore Max Coatta, before awarding the Mavericks with a goal.
Driscoll allowed five goals on twenty shots before being replaced in the second period of his first collegiate start by Jeff Smith. “It was nice to see how our team reacted after being down in the first period,” said Hastings. Smith stopped nine of ten shots in relief of Driscoll.
Prior to Minnesota State’s victory over SCSU on Friday, the Huskies had taken the last seven games from the Mavericks. “In-state rivals are always fun to play,” said Lewis, a Burnsville native. “These are high intensity games where you have to come out and play.” Hastings, an SCSU alum, added that the rivalry always carries a physical component, “if you don’t put a body on SCSU, they’ll pass and re-pass you.”
Minnesota State will travel to Fairbanks next weekend to take on Alaska, while St. Cloud State has a home -and-home series with Minnesota.
Other WCHA scores:
Lake Superior State 7, Michigan State 3
Lake Superior State completed a home sweep of Michigan State with a 7-3 victory in Sault St.Marie, MI. Senior forward Gus Correale scored two goals for the Lakers, while junior JT Henke added a goal and two assists. Junior goaltender Gordon Defiel stopped 30 shots in the victory.
Alabama-Huntsville 1, Michigan Tech 1
Alabama-Huntsville skated to a 1-1 tie with Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI. Junior defensemen Matt Roy scored for the Huskies, while sophomore defensemen Kurt Gosselin tied the game for the Chargers in the third period. Jordan Uhelski made 29 saves for Alabama-Huntsville.
Bemidji State 2, Northern Michigan 0
Junior goaltender Michael Bitzer recorded his second consecutive shutout as Bemdji State completed a road sweep of Northern Michigan in Marquette, MI. Bitzer stopped all 21 shots he faced while forwards Jay Dickman and Kyle Bauman scored for the Beavers as they improve to 4-0.
Alaska-Anchorage 1, Canisius 0
Sophomore forward Mason Mitchell’s first-period goal propelled Alaska-Anchorage to a 1-0 victory over Canisius in Fairbanks, AK. Junior Olivier Mantha stopped all 22 shots, securing a shutout for the Seawolves.
Western Michigan 8, No. 20 Bowling Green 2
Western Michigan completed a sweep of #20 Bowling Green in Kalamazoo, MI, 8-2. The Broncos were led by a hat trick from sophomore Matheson Iacopelli, a Blackhawks draft pick. Defensemen Scott Moldenhauer added a goal and two assists for the undefeated Broncos.
No. 13 Michigan 2, Ferris State 1
Sam Piazza’s third-period goal was the difference in a 2-1 victory by No. 13 Michigan over Ferris State in Big Rapids, MI. Freshmen Jake Slaker had a goal and an assist for the Wolverines as Jack LaFontaine stopped 15 of 16 shots. Andrew Mayer scored for the Bulldogs.
