Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State erased a four-goal deficit in bouncing back to earn a 5-5 tie with visiting Alaska Anchorage in men's college hockey action Saturday in Mankato.

MSU freshman forward Matt Leitner's goal at the 11:12 mark of the first period was sandwiched around a pair of UAA first-period markers, with the Seawolves scoring one on the power play and one at even strength.

Then, second-period goals by Jordan Kwas, Mickey Spencer and Curtis Leinweber gave the Seawolves a 5-1 lead and chased MSU starting netminder Phil Cook.  It also signalled the start of MSU's comeback.  The Mavericks got a power play goal by Eriah Hayes at 11:30 and another goal with the man advantage from freshman J.P. Lafontaine at 13:51 to cut the lead to 5-3 before the end of the perioed.

Lafontaine's second goal of the game, which also came on the power play at 2:15 of the third period, brought the Mavericks within one.  Senior defenseman Joe Schiller's blast from the point beat Rob Gunderson at 10:25 to tie the game.  The goal was Schiller's first goal of the season and sent the game into overtime, where neither team was able to score..

The Mavericks, who put a season-high 46 shots on goal in the game, got three points from Matt Leitner, who had a goal and an assist.  Sophomore forwards Zach Lehrke and Johnny McInnis both contributed two assists each and Eriah Hayes extended his point-scoring streak to six games during which he's racked up 4-4--8.  Freshman netminder Evan Karambelas, who replaced Phil Cook midway through the second period, stopped all six shots he faced in making his collegiate debut.

Now 3-10-1 overall, 2-7-1 WCHA, Minnesota State continues WCHA action with a road series at the University of Minnesota next Friday and Saturday.  Alaska Anchorage is now 5-7-2 overall, 2-7-1 WCHA.

Head coach Troy Jutting comments following game:


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