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 Brett Bothwell made 26 saves in a narrow 1-0 loss to Bemidji State. |
Dec. 1, 2006
DETROIT, Mich. - The Wayne State men's hockey team (3-11-0, 1-2-0 CHA) fell by the slimmest of margins in its return home on Friday, dropping a 1-0 decision to conference rival Bemidji State (4-4-3, 2-2-3 CHA).
BSU junior Matt Pope scored the game-winner in the third period after over 42 minutes of scoreless hockey that featured strong play from both goaltenders.
The Beavers outshot the Warriors, 12-6, in the opening period, but WSU freshman netminder Brett Bothwell (Red Deer, Alb./Yorkton Terriers) came up with several big saves, including one on a breakaway by Pope midway through the stanza.
Shots were even in each of the next two periods, as the game heated up considerably in the third, with Bemidji State and Wayne State mustering nine shots apiece.
Pope's goal came at the 2:31 mark, as he took a pass in his defensive zone from Joey Moggach and skated along the boards into Wayne State territory, firing a wrist shot past the glove of Bothwell.
WSU's best scoring opportunity came with 9:18 left after a costly turnover by BSU goaltender Matt Climie, as he came well out of his crease to play the puck. Mark Nebus (South Lyon, Mich./Texas Tornado) intercepted it and lofted a wrist shot that, with a slight deflection, hit the outside of the post.
Climie finished with 21 saves in his second shutout of the season. Bothwell saved 26 BSU shots. Both teams were held scoreless on a combined 12 power plays.
These two teams will meet again tomorrow (Dec. 2) at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum at 7:05 p.m.
