Michigan State Edges Ohio State in Overtime Thriller, 3-2

In a dramatic MCRHL Conference Championship game on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, Michigan State (D2) triumphed over Ohio State (D2) with a 3-2 overtime win at the Salt Creek Sports Center in Palatine, IL.

First Period: The game began with intense back-and-forth action. Ohio State struck first at 6:38 when Jake Cook scored off an assist from John Mascitelli, putting the Buckeyes ahead 1-0. Michigan State responded with relentless pressure but was unable to find the back of the net, leaving the score 1-0 in Ohio State's favor heading into the second period.

Second Period: Michigan State found its footing in the second period. At 3:58, Ben Hammond tied the game at 1-1 with a goal assisted by Shane Stoitsiadis and Blake Crimmins. Penalty trouble plagued both teams, with Ohio State’s Paul Runge getting called for high-sticking at 3:16 and Marcus Skinner for holding at 7:43. Michigan State’s Stoitsiadis was penalized for roughing at 9:18. Despite the penalties, neither team could break the deadlock further, and the game remained tied at 1-1 going into the third period.

Third Period: Michigan State took the lead early in the third period. At 1:03, Parker Young found the net, assisted by Colton Ristow, giving MSU a 2-1 advantage. Ohio State responded at 3:55 when Mascitelli scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Paul Runge and Marcus Skinner, bringing the game back to a 2-2 tie. With no further scoring in regulation, the game headed to overtime.

Overtime: In the extra period, Michigan State seized the opportunity. At 6:56, Russell Shengulette scored the game-winning goal, unassisted, clinching a 3-2 victory for Michigan State and securing the MCRHL Conference Championship.

Three Stars:

• 1st Star: John Mascitelli (Ohio State) – 1 goals, 1 assists
• 2nd Star: Parker Young (Michigan State) – 1 goal, 0 assists
• 3rd Star: Ben Hammond (Michigan State) – 1 goal, 0 assists

Team Stats:

• Ohio State: 19 shots on goal, 2 goals
• Michigan State: 18 shots on goal, 3 goals

Goaltending:

• Ohio State: Louie Garcia (48 minutes, 18 shots faced, 15 saves, 3 goals allowed)
• Michigan State: Jason Slicker (48 minutes, 19 shots faced, 17 saves, 2 goals allowed)

It was a hard-fought battle, but Michigan State’s resilience and Shengulette’s clutch overtime goal secured the victory. Despite a stellar performance by Mascitelli, who scored 1 goal and 1 assist of Ohio State's goals, Michigan State emerged as the champions, winning 3-2 in a thrilling overtime finish.