Mankato, Minn. ---  Seventh-rated Minnesota State wrapped up a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series sweep with a 3-1 win over Alaska Saturday in Mankato.

The Mavericks, who outshot the Nanooks by a 37-14 margin in the contest, now stand 5-1-0 for the year.  This weekend's games with the first conference games for both teams.

Alaska, which mustered six shots on goal in Minnesota State's 4-0 victory Friday, scored first Saturday when Max Newton walked out from the corner and put a backhander over the shoulder of Mathias Israelsson at 4:10 of the opening frame. The Mavericks responded twice late in the period, with both goals coming on five-on-three power play situations. And both markers came off the stick of junior defenseman Ian Scheid. The first one, at 16:04, was scored on a shot from 40 feet out that found its way through the pads of Nanooks' netminder Anton Martinsson.  The second one, a nifty wrister from the right circle, came at the 17:54 mark.  The goals are the first two goals of 2018-19 for Scheid.

Sophomore center Jared Spooner rammed home his first goal of the year after collecting a rebound off a shot from Julian Napravnik at 14:21 of the third period. The goal was the first even-strength goal of the weekend for the Mavericks.

Senior netminder Mathias Israelsson, who started for the second consecutive game, stopped all 13 shots he faced in the win and stands 2-0-0 for the year.

Parker Tuomie, who assisted on both of Ian Scheid's goals, now has four goals and seven assists for 11 points on the year to lead Minnesota State in scoring.

The Mavericks take a step outside of league action next weekend with a home-and-home series vs. the University of Minnesota.  The two teams play at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis next Friday before making the trek back to Mankato for the rematch Saturday at Verizon Center.

Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the game.

 

  - 30 -