Michigan State hockey beats Ferris State in overtime, 3-2

Taro Hirose’s goal 1:13 into overtime lifted the Michigan State hockey team past Ferris State, 3-2, on Friday night at Munn Ice Arena. Mitchell Lewandowski had two goals and picked up an assist on Hirose’s winner.

Lewandowski and linemate Patrick Khodorenko worked to get the puck to Hirose, who was positioned on the goal line in the left corner. With nearly an impossible angle, Hirose let the puck go and it sailed past FSU goaltender Darren Smith and into the upper corner to give MSU the win.

“It was obviously and interesting game with some serious ups and downs,” said MSU coach Danton Cole. “I thought we did a good job for the first 35 minutes and then the tide really turned. I give Ferris a lot of credit.”

John Lethemon made 27 saves for MSU, which improved to 6-5.

“There were a lot of lessons for the young guys and how you have to keep playing and how you have to do things the right way and if you cheat the game, it bites you," Cole said. "Fortunately tonight we could learn some lessons through winning and we’ll move forward and try to bet better tomorrow.”

The Spartans and Bulldogs will complete the weekend series on Saturday in Big Rapids at 7 p.m.

- MSU Athletic Communications