Minnesota State Opens 2009-10 With 3-2 Victory over Bowling Green
Three Different Mavericks Score in Nonconference Win

MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State started the 2009-10 men's hockey regular season with 3-2 home nonconference win over Bowling Green Friday at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato.

The Mavericks, who got goals from three different players in the contest, are now 22-18-1 all-time in season-opening games.

Senior forward Jerad Stewart beat Bowling Green goaltender Nick Eno on the glove side to put the Mavericks up 1-0 at the 12:46 mark of the first period.

Then, with :28 to go in the first period, senior center Zach Harrison passed to senior wing Geoff Irwin who beat Eno for MSU's second tally of the contest.

The Falcons closed the gap to 2-1 with 1:12 to go in the second period when junior wing Tomas Petruska put one past MSU sophomore goaltender Austin Lee, who was making his collegiate debut.

Maverick sophomore forward Mike Louwerse pushed the puck past goaltender Eno after being knocked to the ice to give MSU a 3-1 lead with 15:16 to go in the third period.

Bowling Green defenseman Kyle Page scored a power play marker with :02 to go in the third period to close out the scoring int he game.

Minnesota State, which went zero-for-seven on the power play, held a 35-20 shots on goal advantage.

The Mavericks and the Falcons close out the nonconference series Saturday at 7:07 p.m.

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