Around the WCHA: Ferris races into first

Ferris State remained the only WCHA team undefeated in conference play this weekend after a sweep of Bemidji State in its first WCHA series at home.

Meanwhile, preseason league favorite Minnesota State had some struggles but earned a split with a game Bowling Green squad in Mankato.

And Michigan Tech had a nice non-conference sweep at home, taking down Michigan State, while Northern Michigan got a win and a tie at Western Michigan.

The featured showdown this coming weekend is again in Big Rapids, where old CCHA rivals Ferris State (4-0 in conference) and Bowling Green (3-1) will clash for the top spot.

Here’s what happened around the WCHA this weekend. UAH was swept in Anchorage, losing 3-1 and 6-1.

Ferris State 5, Bemidji State 4 (OT)
Ferris State 5, Bemidji State 3

At Big Rapids, Mich., Jason Binkley’s overtime goal Friday gave the home Bulldogs a win against the Beavers. On Saturday, Scott Czarnowczan scored twice as Ferris State built a 4-0 first-period lead and held on to sweep Bemidji and stay undefeated in league play.

Bowling Green 4, Minnesota State 3
Minnesota State 1, Bowling Green 0 (OT)

At Mankato, Minn., Dan DeSalvo and Adam Berkle netted short-handed goals as the Falcons took a road win Friday over the Mavericks. Minnesota State salvaged the split as Johnny McInnis scored the only goal 1:11 into overtime and Cole Huggins had a 33-save shutout.

Lake Superior State 4, Alaska 1
Alaska 3, Lake Superior State 2 (OT)

At Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.,  Alex Globke scored twice Friday as the Lakers won their first-ever WCHA game at home. Globke scored another Saturday, but the Nanooks’ Joey Davis got the game-winner in overtime for the split.

Michigan Tech 3, Michigan State 0
Michigan Tech 3, Michigan State 2 (OT)

At Houghton, Mich., the Huskies stayed perfect home with a sweep of the Big Ten Spartans. Phoenix Copley got the shutout Friday with 19 saves, and Alex Petan scored the game winner at the 3:52 mark of overtime on Saturday.

Northern Michigan 5, Western Michigan 4
Northern Michigan 2, Western Michigan 2

At Kalamazoo, Mich., the Wildcats rallied from a 3-1 first-period deficit and withstood a 45-shot barrage Saturday and beat the NCHC Broncos on the road. On Sunday, Northern rallied from another two-goal deficit for the tie. Stephen Vigier scored his league-leading 10th goal of the season with 2:47 left in regulation.

THIS WEEK IN THE WCHA
All times Central.
* WCHA game.

Friday, November 15
St. Cloud State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Alaska-Anchorage at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.
Minnesota State at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 16
St. Cloud State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Alaska-Anchorage at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at Minnesota, 7 p.m.