Overtime in the playoffs had worked in Ferris State’s favor until March 29 in US Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
The North Dakota Fighting Sioux earned their 20th Frozen Four bid with a 2-1 double-overtime victory over the Bulldogs in the NCAA Men’s Division I Midwest Regional Championship.
The Sioux were seeded fourth in the Midwest Region. They defeated No. 1 seeded Wisconsin 5-2 on March 28 to reach the title game.
Ferris carried the play from the middle of the second period on, and outshot North Dakota 45-26.
“Its been a great ride,” head coach Bob Daniels said. “[The seniors] are just tremendous leaders, they’ll be sorely missed, beyond the talent, it was quite a group of seniors.”
Forwards Garrett Thompson, Andy Huff, Cory Kane, Justin DeMartino and defenseman and team captain Scott Czarnowczan have played their last game for Ferris.
Kane came out and put 11 shots on goal, and scored Ferris State’s only goal of the evening. Kane, as well as Czarnowczan, and junior goaltender CJ Motte, were named to the All-Midwest Regional team.
“Man, Cory [Kane] had a really good night and a really good weekend,” Daniels said. “Not surprising, he’s played unbelievable in the second half of this year, and he’s always been to be a good player, but he stepped up to become and elite player in college hockey.”
Motte allowed just the two goals against North Dakota on the weekend, but Gothberg outdueld him, making 44 stops.
Ferris State finished 29-11-3, the second most wins in Ferris history behind 2002-2003’s 31 victories.