Two hockey players who left the program this past spring have recently signed with new teams.’

Sophomore Patrick Tiesling and freshman Nick Bailen have decided to lace up their skates elsewhere considering the uncertainty of the future toward the University’s hockey program. During spring break, a rumor circulated regarding the team would not have the budget to continue playing.

Tiesling has enrolled at Miami University and will start school this fall, however will not immediatey play for the Red Hawks.

Due to transfer rules, the defensive forward must sit out the 2009-2010 season and will be eligible to play the following season.

Originally, he was not permitted to transfer to another Central Collegiate Hockey Association school because of a University bylaw.

‘I understand why the school has that rule to protect their own interest,’ Tiesling said. ‘But I have aspirations to play as many years as I can and there were no guarantees at BG.’

He appealed his case with a University committee of three non-athletic department members and was granted permission to leave.

After considering CCHA schools Miami, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Lake Superior, Tiesling said becoming a Red Hawk would be the best fit.

‘I wanted a school that was on par or better academic wise as Bowling Green is,’ he said.

The physical forward who studies business liked what he saw when recently visiting Miami’s campus in Oxford.

‘The facilities are great and the business school is one of the best in the country,’ he said.

Tiesling also factored in Miami’s thriving hockey program contributed to his decision.

Bailen will play for the Indiana Ice in the United States (Junior) Hockey League next season and then will transfer to Rensselaer of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference for the 2010-2011 season.

Before coming to the University, Bailen played three seasons for the Ice.

‘The Ice still owned my rights and I guess they are my home away from home,’ Bailen said.

During the 2005-2006 season, he was teammates with current Falcons Todd McIlrath and Kyle Page.’

As the Ice’s captain in 2007-2008 squad, Bailen helped lead the them to the Eastern Conference regular season title.

A native of Fredonoia, N.Y., Bailen will return to his home state when he skates for Rensselaer located in Troy, N.Y.

‘Rensselaer has a good staff, is rich in tradition and is close to home,’ he said.

Bailen was one of BG’s best defensemen last season even contribtuing offensively with 6 goals and 10 assists.

While the players did leave, established comradery with the players.

‘I had a blast in BG,’ Tiesling said.

Neither player expressed hard feelings with any of the coaches or players at the University.

‘I still talk to a lot of the guys and I wish the best for them in the future,’ Bailen said.

Both Head coach Scott Paluch and assistant coach Dennis Williams’ were unavailable for comment.