Freshman forward Matthew Kirzinger scored a shorthanded goal with just over six minutes remaining in the first period. Senior forward Blair Riley added an empty-net goal with 32 seconds remaining in the game to ice the victory for Ferris. The Bulldogs outshot the Mavericks 34-28 and both teams went 0 for 5 on the power play.
Three goals in a five-minute span in the second period led to a 3-1 victory on Saturday as Ferris completed its sweep of the Mavericks.
Sophomore center Jordie Johnston opened the scoring with his first goal of the season four minutes, 43 seconds into the second period. Wysopal and senior captain Cody Chupp added power play goals 1:32 apart to the team a 3-0 lead at the midway point of the game. Head coach Bob Daniels said Nebraska-Omaha came out hard, but the team responded well.
“I’m really proud of our guys for coming out and showing the maturity to be ready to battle a very good Nebraska team,” said Daniels.
Nick Fanto scored a shorthanded goal for the Mavericks with five minutes left in the second period, but that was all Nebraska-Omaha would get. Taylor Nelson recorded the win for the Bulldogs and improved his record to 8-1-1 this season.
While Ferris scored on only 2 of 19 power play attempts in the two games, Nebraska-Omaha did not scored on any of its 12 attempts.
Nelson stopped 28 of 29 shots on goal and improved his season save percentage to .942. He has the highest winning percentage and save percentage of any goalie in the CCHA this season. After his performance, Nelson was tabbed as the CCHA’s Reebok Goaltender of the Week.
“He is hot right now and he’s playing at a championship level,” said Daniels.
Ferris has a home and home series against in-state rival Western Michigan University this weekend. Western Michigan is currently tied for 11th in the CCHA standings with a 2-7-3-1 in the conference. Wysopal said he expects the games with Western Michigan to be “physical and close.”