MSU hockey head coach Rick Comley couldn't ask for a better start to the season. Last weekend, the Spartans went on the road and won the Lefty McFadden Invitational tournament in Dayton, Ohio with commanding victories against Wayne State and North Dakota, last year's national runner-up.
It's the first time the Spartans have won their first two games since the 2001-02 season.
"I always like to start two and zero," Comley said.
The Spartans (2-0-0 overall) will hit the ice again at 7 p.m. tonight for an exhibition game against Western Ontario (2-3-0 overall) at Munn Ice Arena.
Comley said beating a highly regarded team such as the Fighting Sioux early in the season is a great way to set the tone for the year.
"Beating a team of the caliber of North Dakota does an awful lot for everybody's confidence, so hopefully that will be a positive springboard for us," Comley said.
MSU's weekend performance earned them a No. 10 ranking in the Division I Poll, a seven-spot jump from last week.
Junior goaltender Dominic Vicari and sophomore forward Bryan Lerg each received honors from the CCHA for their performances in the tournament.
Lerg had a goal and three assists on the weekend and was named offensive player of the week.
Vicari gave up a goal nine seconds into the Wayne State game, but then stopped all 40 shots he faced the rest of the tournament. He was named CCHA goaltender of the week.
"Dominic was tested much more against North Dakota — they had two five-minute power plays," Comley said. "He did really good. Very steady, very solid and very consistent."
Western Ontario comes in riding a 4-3 win against Ferris State in which Mustangs goaltender Brad Topping made 49 saves.
Vicari said he knows the Spartans can't take anything for granted against a team like the Mustangs, even in an exhibition game.
"It may not count on our record but its one of those games that it's kind of expected that we have to win," Vicari said. "We have a whole lot to lose from playing a team like that and losing to them."
Comley said this exhibition game is a chance for the team to work on special teams, give some ice time to younger players and see where the team needs improvement.
"Then you just keep your fingers crossed and hope you come through this thing healthy," Comley said.
