Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
Niagara
Spartan Hockey Falls To Niagara, 2-1
11/8/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 8, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Coming off a bye week, Michigan State was looking to carry the momentum of a three-game winning streak into its non-conference series with Niagara. However, the Purple Eagles picked up a hard-fought 2-1 victory on Friday night (Nov. 8) at Munn Arena before 6,496 fans.
Michigan State started the scoring just 41 seconds into the first period when senior defenseman John-Michael Liles (Zionsville, Ind.) took a shot from the point that Niagara goalie Rob Bonk kicked out. However, freshman winger David Booth (Washington, Mich.) sailed the rebound past Bonk into Niagara's net to put the Spartans ahead, 1-0.
MSU had several scoring opportunities in the opening stanza including a 5-on-3 power play, but just couldn't convert.
"Niagara worked very hard," commented MSU Head Coach Rick Comley. "We just couldn't score. Scoring continues to be a problem for our team. We are not finishing the play."
The second period went scoreless until the Purple Eagles tied the score 1-1 with 3:43 left in the period. Niagara winger Joe Tallari, who leads the nation in goals, put a shot in over Spartan goalie Matt Migliaccio's left shoulder on the power play. Tallari's goal was assisted from center Barret Ehgoetz.
With 5:29 left in the third period, Niagara freshman Jason Williamson passed the puck to Tallari who proceeded to drop a pass to Ehgoetz. Ehgoetz put a shot over Migliaccio's shoulder that put the Purple Eagles ahead, 2-1.
Migliaccio had 24 saves for the Spartans while Bonk tallied 25. Bonk, who hails from Fenton, Mich., said he anticipated the homecoming, and enjoyed the goaltending duel.
"Michigan State has always had great goaltending,. They have a great roster with great NHL draft picks," commented Bonk. "Our goal was to beat one of these big guys like Michigan State, but they kept it close."
Comley said he thought the bye week might have contributed to the Spartans' lack of scoring.
"Sometimes you get a false sense of sercurity where you think it's going to be easy," remarked Comley. "It isn't easy and obviously we made that mistake. In the end, they outworked us."
Michigan State closes its two-game set with Niagara tomorrow night (Nov. 9) at Munn Arena. Face-off is at 7:05 p.m.
Spartan Notebook
* Senior defenseman John-Michael Liles extended his point streak to six games with an assist on MSU's only goal.
* MSU finished 0-for-6 on the power play, while Niagara was 1-for-5.
