BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — C.J. Motte picked up his third shutout of the year and notched a career high for season wins in backstopping Ferris State to a 1-0 win over Michigan Tech on Friday night.
Motte had 25 saves in the shutout effort and helped out his team in other ways as well.
“He was integral in helping us move the puck out of our own zone,” said Ferris State coach Bob Daniels. “He made good reads and really helped alleviate the pressure of their forecheck.
“I was very pleased with how we played tonight.”
In a game featuring two of the top five defenses in the WCHA, it was fitting that the game’s lone goal came late in the third period.
Garrett Thompson wired a shot from the point that snuck past Jamie Phillips and off the post before going in.
“It was a good play by Czarno [Scott Czarnowczan] at the point,” said Thompson. “They eased up on our D-to-D passes. I just wanted to get it on net and it looked like it hit something out front.”
The low score and general lack of whistles fueled a fast-paced game that had both teams generating plenty of scoring opportunities.
Both Phillips and Motte, who picked up his 16th win on the year, put on a clinic as they held their respective teams in the game.
“We have to get traffic in front of C.J. and get second chances,” Michigan Tech coach Mel Pearson said when asked about changes to the game plan for tomorrow night’s contest.
Phillips stopped 28 shots for the Huskies.
Michigan Tech and Ferris State will conclude their two-game WCHA series Saturday night.
