1. What are you doing here? Who had Riese Zmolek scoring the first goal of the season for Minnesota State? Not many, probably. The junior defenseman entered the season with just three career goals, but he got things going on Friday, jumping into the rush, taking D partner Ian Scheid's pass and going right to the net with it in the first period. Marc Michaelis said he wasn't surprised to see Zmolek around the goal mouth: "He's more known for his dirty work, but he doesn't get enough credit for other things he does. To get rewarded for it is nice." Zmolek still did the dirty work, blocking four shots. Said coach Mike Hastings: "He was good tonight. Offensively, defensively, blocking shots. He has a warrior-type mentality, and I thought he was really good tonight."
2. Good in goal: Dryden McKay stopped 25 of 26 shots, including a couple of breakaways, showing no rust after the offseason. McKay, who won 24 games as a rookie, allowed a lone goal to talented ASU junior Johnny Walker during 4-on-4 play in the first period. "I like seeing a young man be rewarded for his work," Hastings said. "He had a great summer. He came in in better shape than when he left. You want to see him have some success, not only for our team but for the work that he’s put in. … I thought he was sharp when we needed him to be."
3. Hey, rookie! Freshman forward Lucas Sowder had two assists in the game, his first two collegiate points. The Florida native played left wing on the top line with Michaelis (two goals) and Charlie Gerard, filling the spot normally occupied by Parker Tuomie, who was out with an injury. Tuomie, who did not practice most of the week, said he's feeling better and probably could have played if it was a late-season game or playoff game. First-year forwards Ryan Sandelin and Cade Borchardt also played, and Jaxson Stauber dressed as a backup goalie.
Read my game story here.
Highlights from tonight’s 4-1 victory over the Sun Devils 😈 pic.twitter.com/NvmHby7sN0— Minnesota State Hockey (@MavHockey) October 12, 2019
Around the WCHA: Alaska 3, Michigan Tech 2 ... Bemidji State 4, St. Cloud State 4 (OT) ... Michigan State 5, Northern Michigan 3 ... Maine 7, Alaska Anchorage 1 ... Denver 3, Lake Superior State 1 ... Omaha 6, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... RIT 3, Bowling Green 2 (OT)
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