The MSU hockey team's early success continued this weekend as it defeated Western Ontario 4-2 in a dogfight exhibition game Friday night at Munn Ice Arena.

Even though the Spartans (2-0-0 overall) outshot Western Ontario (0-0-0 overall), 40-13, the Mustangs still proved to be a challenge. It was a physical game for the Spartans as the Mustangs ended the game with 19 penalties.

MSU head coach Rick Comley said it was a game his players needed as they head into the year.

"It was hard to play, and I expected it to be a good game for our kids because they had to play a really physical hockey team," Comley said.

Sophomore forward Bryan Lerg had a goal and an assist to lead the Spartans.

"I'm playing with a lot of confidence right now, and I think that's when I play my best," Lerg said. "I feel like I'm getting more of an opportunity than I was last year, which I had to earn my spot in the lineup. It seems like coach is having confidence in me."

This was the first game that Bryan Lerg and his cousin, freshman goaltender Jeff Lerg, had a chance to play together since they played junior hockey together three years ago. Jeff Lerg ended the game with 11 saves.

"It's special for the family," Jeff Lerg said. "We both played well."

Sophomore forward Peder Skinner added two assists for MSU.

Comley had said his only fear for the game was that one of his players would get hurt, and it was realized when senior forward David Booth went down on the first shift of the game and came up holding his shoulder.

"I saw (Booth) hit someone early in the shift, then I saw him get hit once," Bryan Lerg said. "He got off the ice screaming."

Booth underwent treatment this weekend, but his status is unknown.

The Mustangs managed to keep MSU scoreless in the first period, with goaltender Scott Dickie making 23 saves.

The score was tied at two after two periods, but senior forward Colton Fretter scored a power-play goal less than a minute into the third period to give MSU the lead for good. Senior forward Drew Miller scored on an empty net to ice the win.

Skinner said this game added to the team's confidence as they get ready to take on Michigan — the No. 2 team in the CCHA preseason poll — on Saturday.

"Every game we should learn something from and become better as a team," Skinner said. "I think we have, and we're more prepared for Michigan."