Men’s Hockey squares off against the Griz in rivalry series

The Men’s Hockey Club suited up against the University of Montana (UM) Grizzlies on Friday, Jan. 30 for its Senior Night Game in front of a sold-out crowd at the Ressler Motors Ice Rink. The ‘Cats came out victorious in the barn burner matchup, but were defeated by the Griz in the rematch game the following day.

Friday’s game resulted in a 4-3 overtime win for the ‘Cats, who currently rank third in the Mountain Western Collegiate Hockey League (MWCHL) of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

Within the first period, the Bobcats tied the Grizzlies 1-1. Forward Spencer Wilkinson, assisted by forwards Teagan McAvoy and Jack Muhlfeld, scored the first goal of the night for MSU. The period ended with 18 shots on goal (SOG) from the ‘Cats compared to the Grizzlies’ 11.

The second period was full of energy with a top-shelf goal from forward Tyler Fisher, assisted by Wilkinson and defenseman Brayden Hindman. The goal brought the score to 2-1. MSU owned the puck throughout the period ending with 29 SOG over 23 from UM.

In the third period, MSU scored one goal with a quick snipe off the rush from forward Vinnie Farina, assisted by forwards Hayden Klem and Muhlfeld. UM scored two goals within the period and the teams were knotted three. MSU stunted UM’s SOG, 40-30.

The Grizzlies' two goals within the final period sent the game into overtime, but the Bobcats delivered intense pressure from the O-line and Klem scored a right-side tuck to secure the win.

The atmosphere at the rink was only amplified by the Senior Night celebrations that took place before the match. According to Weaver, Senior Night is always held on the last Griz game — the final home game of the season — to honor the graduating class.

This season's seniors are Jake Parent, Isaac Ellingson, Owen Davis, McAvoy, Farina and Klem.

“I am really proud of this senior class and what they have brought to the table,” Weaver said. “They have really brought our program to a new level and just a level of excellence.”

In addition to senior celebrations, the intense nature of the rivalry matchup, coupled with a sold-out crowd, set the tone for the night.

“The energy is tremendous and it certainly gets everybody's juices flowing and their adrenaline flowing a little bit more,” Weaver said. “We play in front of big crowds, and it's just a more intense crowd, and players are much more tuned in to what's happening.”

Friday’s game was chippy and physical. Despite the ACHA rules against fighting, the Bobcats managed to throw in some rough plays.

“It's a physical game without fighting and I think that's been a trademark of our team for a long time,” Weaver said. “We are going to bring it to an opponent physically, and anybody who comes into our building knows that they are going to be in for a very, very physical game.”

The ‘Cats returned to the ice on Saturday, Jan. 31 for a rematch at the Glacier Ice Rink in Missoula, which resulted in a 2-6 loss for MSU.

UM dominated the ice during the first period, scoring three goals to MSU’s zero. Going into the second period, UM scored one goal, a quick strike into the net. At the end of the period, the Griz were up 4-0.

Momentum swung toward the Bobcats in the final period as they buried two goals. With a powerplay goal from Muhlfeld and a quick snipe from forward Vinnie Felt, they brought the score to 2-4.

UM responded with two goals to match, which brought the score to 2-6. The period ended with a win for the Griz.

The ‘Cats are now standing at 26-12-1, and will go on to face Boise State University in the MWCHL playoffs on Thursday, Feb. 5 in Salt Lake City.

After a loss to Lindenwood University in the finals of the ACHA D2 playoff last season, MSU hopes to return to St. Louis to compete for a national championship title. The pressure is high on the ‘Cats this ACHA playoff season.

“The guys got to know where the intensity is, and it obviously gets higher and higher the further you go,” Weaver said.

To learn more about the team, visit https://msuhockey.com/or follow it on Instagram @msubobcathockey.