COLLEGE HOCKEY : Michigan State Makes It Look Easy in 7-4 Win Over Alberta

The championship game of the Great Western Freeze-Out between the University of Alberta and Michigan State quickly turned into the Great Western Blowout as the NCAA’s top-ranked Spartans routed the Golden Bears, 7-4, Wednesday night in front of 4,549 at the Forum.

Alberta took the initiative on the opening faceoff when right wing Brian Gerrits got a pass from center Marty Yewchuk and shot the puck past goaltender Jason Muzzatti on the low stick side.

Michigan State answered at the 3-minute 12-second mark when forward Pat Murray drove a shot from the circle that flew past Gavin Armstrong’s outstretched glove.

Off the ensuing faceoff, the Golden Bears broke back on top when Adam Morrison set up a perfect feed from behind the net to the slot, and forward Brett Cox picked it up, spun around, and shot it past Muzzatti.

Michigan State tied the score at 2:56 when Kip Miller passed to defenseman Steve Beadle, who was waiting at the top of the left faceoff circle, then hit it between the goaltender’s pads.

Michigan State then scored six unanswered goals to seal the victory. Miller iced the game on a breakaway that gave him his third point of the night.

Forward Bill Shalawaylo, followed suit with his only goal of the tournament, and Murray and Beadle scored their second goals of the game to put the Spartans ahead 7-2 at the end of the period.

Michigan State forward Pat Murray was named tournament most valuable player with three goals and three assists.