By Journal Sports Staff

BIG RAPIDS – The Northern Michigan University hockey team stumbled into the first round of the WCHA playoffs after getting swept at home by rival Michigan Tech last weekend.

The Wildcats’ bad fortune continued Friday as they fell to Ferris State, 3-2, in the first game of their opening series. FSU goalie Darren Smith earned the win in net with 27 saves.

The Bulldogs (16-14-6, 14-11-4 WCHA) got on the scoreboard first. Ryan Lowney got a feed from Jacob Hetz and went top shelf to put FSU up 1-0 at the 5:37 mark of the first period.

In the second period, Ferris took a two-goal advantage at the 8:37 mark. when Jared VanWormer tapped a rebound into a wide-open net.

Northern (15-15-7, 12-12-5 WCHA) got its offense going in the third period.

Forward Dominik Shine picked up his 15th goal of the season at the 6:52 mark, beating Smith to his glove side.

Northern center Shane Sooth tied the game at 2-2 a few minutes later when he put a rebound into the net after a shot by Barrett Kaib.

However, Ferris wound up getting the game-winning goal three minutes later on a power play goal by Kyle Schempp.

Mathias Dahlstrom started in net for the Wildcats, ending speculation he might be replaced by Atte Tolvanen this weekend. He finished with 23 saves.

The Wildcats have to win tonight to keep their season alive. If they do, they will play Ferris again at 5:07 p.m. Sunday.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.