Galiardi Racks up Three Points as Mavericks Cruise Past Falcons
MSU Opens 2009-10 With Home Nonconference Sweep

Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State downed Bowling Green 4-1 Saturday in nonconference men's hockey at Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato Saturday.

Combined with a 3-2 win Friday, MSU earned a sweep over the Central Collegiate Hockey Association-foe and now stands 2-0 for 2009-10.

MSU junior center Rylan Galiardi scored twice and assisted on another Saturday in chalking up his second career three-point game (he had a goal and two assists vs. Colorado College Jan. 10, 2009).

Galiardi was credited with the game's first goal when he beat Bowling Green goaltender Andrew Hammond at 14:57 of the first period.

After what looked to be a scoreless second stanza, junior defenseman Kurt Davis beat Hammond with a shot from the point on a Maverick power play with :25 to go in the period.

Junior center Andrew Sackrison put a rebound past Hammond on a Maverick power play 1:02 into the third period for the third Maverick tally of the contest.

Then, 7:54 into the final frame, on a nice individual effort, Galiardi took a shot from the slot area and beat Hammond for MSU's four tally.

MSU freshman goaltender Kevin Murdock, who was stellar in making his collegiate debut, held Bowling Green scoreless until center Josh Boyd beat him from ten feet out with a shot to the glove side with 10:12 to go in the game.

The Mavericks, who converted on two of nine power play chances on the night, held a 41-23 shots on goal advantage over the Falcons.

Next action for Minnesota State is Oct. 16 and 17 with a pair of Western Collegiate Hockey Association games at the University of Minnesota, Duluth on the docket.