Mavericks Dominate Ferris State 5-1 in CCHA Quarterfinals – Game 1
MANKATO, Minn. – No. 16 Minnesota State men’s hockey delivered a commanding performance Friday night, opening the CCHA Mason Cup Quarterfinals with a decisive 5-1 victory over Ferris State at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Five different Mavericks found the back of the net, while Alex Zetterberg and Jack Smith each registered two points, as Minnesota State outshot the Bulldogs by a significant margin, 35-13.
The win marks the tenth consecutive season Minnesota State has taken a 1-0 lead in a first-round playoff series. They haven’t dropped a first-round contest since 2016, a streak that underscores their consistent postseason success. The Mavericks (19-9-7) now have an opportunity to close out the series on Saturday evening at 6:07 p.m. CT, with live coverage available on AM 1420 KTOE.
Minnesota State established control early, capitalizing on sustained pressure in the Ferris State zone. Just 1:59 into the game, Jack Smith scored his 10th goal of the season. The play developed from a series of chances in front of the net, with Ean Somoza feeding the puck for multiple attempts before Smith finally converted. The Mavericks continued to dominate the first period, finishing with a 15-4 advantage in shots.
The second period saw Minnesota State extend their lead. Zetterberg scored at 9:10, cleaning up a rebound after Smith’s initial shot. Somoza also earned an assist on Zetterberg’s sixth goal of the year. However, Ferris State responded just over a minute later, with Xavier Jean-Louis scoring an even-strength goal at 10:41 to cut the deficit to 2-1. The period ended with the Mavericks holding a narrow lead, setting the stage for a crucial final frame.
The third period firmly cemented Minnesota State’s advantage. Campbell Cichosz scored his fourth goal of the season at 6:35, skating through neutral ice and backhanding the puck into the net. The play was set up by Mason LeBel, who peeled the puck off the wall in the Maverick zone, and a skillful pass from Cichosz. With the game effectively out of reach, Luigi Benincasa added an empty-net goal late in the period, sealing the 5-1 victory with a shot that traveled the length of the ice.
Despite the decisive scoreline, special teams play proved to be an area for improvement for the Mavericks. Minnesota State went 0-for-4 on the power play, failing to capitalize on opportunities with the man advantage. Ferris State also struggled on the power play, going 0-for-2. Alex Tracy recorded 12 saves for Minnesota State, while Martin Lunberg stopped 30 shots for Ferris State.
The Bulldogs face a daunting task in Game 2, needing a win to force a decisive third game in the best-of-three series. Minnesota State, meanwhile, will look to replicate their dominant performance and secure their place in the CCHA semifinals. The Mavericks’ ability to generate offense from multiple lines and control possession proved to be the key to their success in Game 1, and they will aim to maintain that momentum on Saturday.
The upcoming game on Saturday represents a critical juncture for both teams. For Ferris State, it’s a fight for survival. For Minnesota State, it’s an opportunity to continue their impressive playoff record and advance closer to their championship aspirations. The series continues at 6:07 p.m. CT.