Bowling Green vs Bemidji State Highlights 12/11/15

BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) – Bowling Green State University scored two goals in the opening period and clamped down its defensive pressure, holding Bemidji State University to 15 shots on goal and 0-for-5 on the power-play, Friday en route to a 4-1 Western Collegiate Hockey Association victory.

Coming off a road trip where they went 3-1-0 and a five-game stretch there they allowed only five goals, the Beavers were slow out of the gate and could not gain any traction to recover.

The Falcons took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission after BSU miscues led to goals from Mitch McLain and Brandon Hawkins.

Cory Ward sparked an inspired BSU attack at the 1:39 mark of the second period, netting his third goal of the season in the midst of significant pressure, but the Beavers could not sustain the momentum and opened the third period down 2-1.

BSU’s third period mirrored its opening period of play. It was outshot 9-5 and was held scoreless on both it its power-play opportunities.

Leading 2-1 deep into the third, the Falcons broke the Beavers’ spirit at the 14:47 mark when Stephen Baylis beat BSU goaltender Michael Bitzer.

BSU went on the power play at the 15:54 mark and pulled its goalie to attempt to make up some ground with a pair of extra attackers, but Graeme McCormack’s shot off the post was as close as the Beavers would come to generating offense before Mark Friedman scored an empty-net, short-handed goal with 54 seconds left.

The Beavers finished the night without a power play on five opportunities. BSU’s penalty-kill held BGSU to one shot on two man advantage opportunities (0-for-2).

Bitzer made 15 saves on 18 shots faced in the loss. He falls to 2-8-2 on the year.

BSU dips to 5-8-3 overall with a 4-7-2 mark in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play.

The Beavers will attempt to split the series tomorrow when the same teams meet at 7:07 p.m.

Beaver Hockey faithful are encouraged to bring winter hats, mittens, gloves and/or other cold weather gear to contribute to at the ticket office as they enter Sanford Center. Fans are also encouraged to bring new, or gently used, stuffed animals.  Following BSU’s first goal, those in attendance will have an opportunity to toss their teddy bear donation(s) onto the Sanford Center ice. All items collected will be distributed to residents in the Bemidji area in need this holiday season.

Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

–bsu–