Huntsville, Ala.  ---  A pair of sophomore forwards each contributed four points as Minnesota State  bulled past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-1, in a men’s nonconference contest played in Huntsville, Friday.

Sophomore forward Chase Grant, who redshirted last year after having hip surgery, tallied his first career four-point night by scoring a natural hat trick (all three goals were power play goals) and adding an assist.  Linemate and fellow sophomore Matt Leitner added three assists and a shorthanded goal in the win.

Grant got things going when he tipped a shot from the point from Zach Palmquist with MSU on the power play at 8:10 of the opening period.

It became a 2-0 MSU lead when Grant one-timed a power play shot past UAH netminder John Griggs at 12:18 of the second stanza.  UAH responded at 15:32 on a deflection by Craig Pierce and after two periods of play the score stood 2-1 in favor of the Mavericks.

Grant’s third  goal, which also came on the power play, came at the 6:56 mark of the third from Leitner and netminder Phil Cook.

Speaking of  Phil Cook, the junior turned aside 24 shots in notching his 26^th career win. MSU held a 41-25 advantage in shots on goal in the game. The Mavericks converted on three-of-six power play chances, while the Chargers were one-for-four.

The win is the first of the collegiate head coaching career for Minnesota State bench boss Mike Hastings who is in his first year with the Mavericks.

Now 1-0-0 overall on the year, the Mavericks play the Chargers (0-1-0) tomorrow night to close out the series with a 7:00 p.m. face-off scheduled.

Head coach Mike Hastings comments after 4-1 win over Alabama-Huntsville.
Sophomore forward Chase Grant comments after game.