Mankato, Minn.  --- Minnesota State fell behind early but clawed back to claim a 2-1 win over Alaska in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association men's hockey home contest in Mankato Saturday.

The win is the fourth consecutive of the year and the second straight sweep for the Mavericks.

The visiting Nanooks got on the board first in the game after John Mullally grabbed a rebound in front of the Maverick net and backhanded a shot past Cole Huggins at 9:31 of the opening period.  The goal marked the seventh time in the eight games Minnesota State has played this year in which the opposition has scored first.

Then with the Mavericks on the power play at 8:03 of the middle stanza, senior center Teddy Blueger beat Davis Jones with a wrister from the right dot on the shortside to even the score at 1-1.  Freshman defenseman Daniel Brickley and junior defenseman Casey Nelson drew assists on the goal and for Brickley the assist is the first point of his collegiate career.

Senior forward Brett Knowles one-timed a pass from Bryce Gervais past Jones at 12:45 of the third period to give the Mavericks their first lead in the game. The goal is the first of the year for Knowles and the fifth game-winning tally of his four-year Minnesota State career.

The Mavericks went one-for-five in power play chances on the night and junior netminder Cole Huggins registered 23 saves for Minnesota State and now stands 2-4-0 for the season with the win.

Minnesota State, which stands 4-4-0 overall and owns a 4-0-0 WCHA mark, continues league play with a two-game series at Ferris State next Friday and Saturday.

Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the win.


 
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