Jan. 7, 2006

East Lansing, Mich. - The Wayne State University men's hockey squad (4-12-2) allowed three first period goals in suffering a 5-1 loss at Michigan State's (10-8-5) Munn Ice Arena Saturday night.

The Spartans snapped a scoreless tie at the 6:46 mark of the opening stanza on a goal by Justin Abdelkader.

Just under six minutes later David Booth would score the eventual game-winner during an MSU power play. Booth received a pass just outside the crease to the left of WSU senior goaltender Matt Kelly (Hull, Mass./Topeka Scarecrows) and Booth went top shelf for his fourth of the season.

MSU's Drew Miller scored an even-strength marker with 3:22 left in the first period as the hosts held a 16-3 shots on goal advantage in the opening 20 minutes.

Wayne State would not quit as junior forward Nate Higgins (Calgary, Alb./Green Bay Gamblers) banged in a shot of classmate Jason Baclig (Leamington, Ont./Leamington Flyers) that hit the crossbar. Mark Nebus (South Lyon, Mich./Texas Tornado) also assisted on the Warrior man-advantage lamp-lighter.

Miller and Booth each added third period goals to complete the scoring. Michigan State held a 47-25 advantage in shots on goal during the contest with Kelly being credited with 42 saves. Jeff Lerg stopped 24 of WSU's 25 shots.

Wayne State went one-for-four on the power play, while MSU finished two-for-five with the man-advantage.

The Warriors resume College Hockey America league play with a two-game at defending conference champion Bemidji State next Friday and Saturday.