The wait is over. The BG Ice Hockey team returns to action Saturday at the BGSU Ice Arena to face Simon Fraser University in an exhibition game.
Simon Fraser is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada.
BG is looking to improve on its 18-15-6 overall record and WCHA Final Five appearance from last season. It was the Falcons’ first winning record since the 1996-1997 season.
“We’re starting at a better level than we have the last four years,” head coach Chris Bergeron said.
The BG hockey team is led by Bergeron who is entering his fifth season at this position with the Falcons. He has improved the team’s record each season on the job and has an overall record of 57-88-20. BG has also won five playoff series since 2010 under Bergeron.
The team will begin this season with 17 lettermen returning, including nine forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders.
Senior Forward Dan DeSalvo has been named the team captain for the Falcons. DeSalvo led the team in points last season with 32 and has a career total of 82 points.
“I think Dan has evolved from his freshman year to now in terms of his work ethic, in terms of his willingness to be great every day,” Bergeron said. “He had the confidence of every one of his teammates, and that’s something that played a huge role with us.”
Forwards Adam Berkle, Mark Cooper, and Brent Tate have each been named the assistant captains for this season.
“I think those other three are such a support group,” Bergeron said. “The four of them are really close as friends and that’s a huge thing. We feel good about the leadership.”
These four skaters have a combined 41 goals, 55 assists, and 96 points from last season.
Additionally, the Falcons have 11 freshmen on their 28 man roster this season including seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender.
“They’re going to get thrown into the fire,” Bergeron said. “We’re still looking at that leadership core, the older guys who have been there to lead the way. If we’re looking at the freshmen to lead the way it’s going to be a long year.”
The puck will drop at noon and it will start the 2014-2015 season for the Falcons.
After Saturday’s exhibition game, the Falcons will open the regular season against Miami University on October 10th at 7 p.m. at the BGSU Ice Arena.
