Michigan State University
Nebraska-Omaha
Hockey Tops Nebraska-Omaha, 3-0
2/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Feb. 20, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State hockey team defeated Nebraska-Omaha 3-0 at Munn Ice Arena Friday night. State received a stellar 21-save performance from freshman netminder Dominic Vicari (Clinton Township, Mich.) in the victory. Both Tommy Goebel (Fr., Parma, Ohio) and Jim Slater (Jr., Lapeer, Mich.) tallied a goal and an assist to lead the Michigan State offense.
"I thought we were really tired; it was a workman type game," said MSU head coach Rick Comley. "I was concerned about the after affects of our trip to Alaska and we had heavy legs, but I thought everyone got done what they needed to get done. Dominic made big saves when he had to. Jim (Slater) played a big league type game tonight; he really came through, scoring the second goal. We needed that. I was happy with the way we played tonight."
Dominic Vicari's fifth shutout of the season now puts him in a tie for fifth on MSU's single- season shutout leaders list.
"Their shots came in spurts. They would get a couple good shots at a time, so it was important to stay sharp tonight," said Vicari. "They had a lot of flurries that would bounce around off our guys and those are tough, but you just have to stay up and make yourself big."
The Spartans got the scoring started when they took advantage on the power play at the 6:48 mark of the first period. David Booth (So., Washington, Mich.) fired a solid shot that was initially saved by UNO goalie Chris Holt. But, the rebound found its way right onto the stick of Ash Goldie (London, Ont.), as the junior center snuck it over Holt's glove for his 10th goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. Adam Nightingale (Jr., Cheboygan, Mich.) also picked up assist on the goal.
 Junior forward Ash Goldie picked up his fifth game-winning goal of the season in Friday's 3-0 victory.  | |
"They were working the puck on the other side of the ice, and I was just waiting out in front," Goldie said. "(David) Booth got a great shot off and I was there for the rebound."
Slater put the Green and White up 2-0 with a spectacular goal 9:21 into the second period. Slater broke into the zone and quickly cut through the slot. While looking at a teammate instead of the goal, Slater let loose a twisted wrist shot. The shot caught the Holt off guard as the puck soared over his glove and into the net. Goebel and Jared Nightingale (So., Cheboygan, Mich.) picked up assists on Slater's 17th goal of the season.
"It's a pretty tough shot to save when you have that screen in there," said Slater of his goal. "I like that move, its tough for the goalies, and if you get the shot on net it is always a good play."
Michigan State (19-15-1 overall, 15-9-1 CCHA) went up 3-0 at the 5:45 mark of the third period on another goal created by their junior captain Slater. Slater flew quickly around the Mavericks net as if he was going to attempt a wrap around. This left the UNO goalie once again scrambling to cover his post. Instead, Slater snuck a pass to a wide-open Goebel in the slot who put the puck in the open net.
"We just need to get thorough this weekend," Comley added. "If we can sweep this weekend, it would be huge for us since we have a week off to recover. It's so important we come ready to play tomorrow night."
The Spartans and Mavericks return to action on Saturday (Feb. 21) with a 7:35 p.m. drop of the puck. Saturday's game will be televised live by Fox Sports Net Detroit.
Spartan Notebook
* With his goal and assist tonight, Jim Slater has registered 2-6-8 points in his last five games.
* Tommy Goebel, who also notched a goal and an assist, now has 3-2-5 points in five games since being reunited with linemates Mike Lalonde and Jim Slater.
* Jared Nightingale's assist on the Spartan's second goal of the night was his first point since Dec. 28 against Boston College in the finals of the Great Lakes Invitational.
* Dominic Vicari recorded his fifth shutout of the season, which ranks tied for fifth with Matt Migliaccio (2002-03) on MSU's single-season chart. In addition, the five shutouts tie him for seventh on MSU's career blankings list.
