Mankato, Minn. --- 19
th-rated Minnesota State got a pair of goals from junior forward
Zeb Knutson, including the game-winner, in claiming a 3-1 victory over visiting Michigan Tech Friday in Mankato.
The game was first game of the year for Minnesota State, which stands 1-0-0 for the season. And with the win the Mavericks now stand 21-23-4 all-time in season-opening games. Michigan Tech falls to 0-3-0 on the year.
All four goals in tonight's game came in the opening stanza.
Knutson opened the scoring, tallying a power play marker at 7:35 of the first period. The Huskies responded with a power play goal of their own when Shane Hanna capitalized with the man advantage five minutes later. Knutson, who entered the game having scored eight goals in 48 career games, scored his second goal of the game (and of the season) at 14:20. Sophomore defenseman
Daniel Brickley closed out the scoring in the game 23 seconds later when he got his first goal of the year with the Mavericks on the power play. Brickley also assisted on both goals in the game in finishing with a career-high three points.
Both teams went scoreless through the final two frames. Maverick senior netminder
Cole Huggins stopped 20 saves in recording the win. Michigan Tech's Matt Wintges falls to 0-2-0 for the year.
The game was played in front of 3,331 fans at Verizon Wireless Center in downtown Mankato. The two teams close out the two-game WCHA set Saturday night with a 7:07p.m. face-off scheduled.
Head coach
Mike Hastings commented after the win.
