The BG hockey team split the weekend series against the 10th ranked Miami RedHawks.
On Friday night in the regular season opener at the BG Ice Arena, forward Kevin Dufour scored two goals including the game-winner in the third period as the Falcons won 3-2. Falcon goalie Tomas Sholl also made 22 saves in the winning effort.
“We want to be aggressive early and that’s the way we want to play,” head coach Chris Bergeron said. “They came out flying and we wanted to start the game strong and I was pleased with the effort tonight.”
Friday’s victory was the first against Miami since Jan. 4, 2008 for BG. The Falcons outshot the RedHawks 38-24 in the game and held Miami scoreless during its two power play attempts. BG never trailed in the game.
Kevin Dufour scored the first goal for BG on the power play less than two minutes into the game with an assist from Mark Cooper.
“We moved the puck tonight really well and it felt great to get back out on the ice with my teammates,” Dufour said. “We were really excited to play someone else. I was glad I could contribute tonight.”
The Falcons added to their lead in the second period with another goal on the power play from forward Brent Tate with assists from freshmen Nolan Valleau and Brandon Hawkins. It was Valleau’s and Hawkins’ first career points and Valleau recorded two assists on the night.
Miami answered with a goal from Ben Paulides 20 seconds later. However, Dufour’s second goal of the game at the 9:26 mark in the third period extended BG’s lead 3-1.
The Falcons defense was able to hold on to the lead despite a goal late in the third period by Miami. BG held Miami to five shots in the final period of play.
“We really wanted to focus on playing a strong defensive game and I thought we went out and put together a strong effort,” Sholl said. “Miami is a good team and they fought hard tonight and gave us a great challenge.”
In Sunday’s series finale, Miami defeated BG 3-2 in Oxford, Ohio, as the teams split the home-and-home series. Kevin Dufour tallied another goal for the Falcons, his third on the weekend.
Mark Friedman scored another goal for the Falcons as goaltender Tommy Burke made 23 saves on Sunday night.
Miami opened the game with a goal 3:38 into the first period. BG answered back with a goal from Dufour on the power play with assists from Matt Pohlkamp and Nolan Valleau. The score was tied at the end of the first period, however Miami recorded two goals in the third period to give the RedHawks a 3-1 lead.
BG defenseman Mark Friedman scored an early third period goal with assists from Jakob Reichert and Nolan Valleau. Valleau now has four assists in his first two collegiate hockey games. However, the Falcons could not add another goal and split the weekend series against the 10th ranked RedHawks.
The Falcons will travel to the University of Alabama-Huntsville this weekend to begin WCHA play.
