Huntsville, Ala.  ---  Minnesota State and Alabama-Huntsville battled to 2-2 overtime tie in a men’s hockey nonconference contest played in Huntsville, Saturday.

MSU had to rally from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in gaining tonight’s tie.

The Mavericks outshot the Chargers by a 16-7 margin in the first period, but a goal by defenseman Curtis DeBruyn, which came off a one-timer at 5:53 gave UAH a 1-0 lead after the opening stanza.

Junior forward Johnny McInnis scored on a tap in after John Griggs stopped a shot by Teddy Blueger at 2:57 of the second period, but Alabama-Huntsville made it 2-1 at 4:57 on a goal from winger Craig Pierce, who beat MSU freshman goaltender Stephon Williams from the right side.

Senior forward Eriah Hayes deflected a shot from the point by Zach Palmquist past Griggs at 17:46 over the third period to send the game into overtime.

The two teams then played through a scoreless overtime.

Including four overtime saves, Maverick freshman netminder Stephon Williams finished with 22 saves. Williams made  his college debut in the game. UAH goaltender John Griggs was credited with 51 stops.

MSU was zero-for-six in power play chances and UAH finished zero-for-two in man advantage situations.

Now 1-0-1 overall on the year, the Mavericks are at home next Friday and Saturday for a nonconference series with RPI.

Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings with postgame comments.