Coming off one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent school history, the BG hockey team has carried a mentality of higher expectations throughout the offseason.
It finally gets to put those expectations to the test this weekend, as the Falcons open the season with a pair of games — the regular season opener at Niagara University on Saturday afternoon, and an exhibition game against the Ontario Institute of Technology at home Sunday evening.
The home exhibition game is scheduled to begin at 5:05 p.m.
Despite the strong postseason run, the team did still finish last in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association during the regular season. Proving that they are closer to the team that knocked off Northern Michigan and Ferris State in the postseason, and not the team that finished last in the regular season, is something that has the Falcons motivated for the year.
“We don’t forget that [regular season],” said co-captain Ryan Carpenter. “That’s something that doesn’t dictate who we are, but it’s definitely something that’s in the back of our heads, and we’re not forgetting that.”
The first test this season for the Falcons is Niagara, which finished 17-11-9 last season in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The Purple Eagles have received votes in the preseason USCHO top-20 poll.
Part of the challenge this weekend for the Falcons is the short turnaround in games. While a typical weekend features games on back-to-back nights, the Falcons will have to hop on the bus following the game against Niagara for a six-hour trip back to Bowling Green, and then play a game Sunday night.
“It’ll be a tough weekend because we have to go on the road and then come back home and get prepared for the next day,” said forward Adam Berkle, who finished fourth on the team with 21 points last season. “But everyone is ready for it. Everyone is excited for the first game to go out there and give everything they have.”
While playing a game on two straight nights won’t provide an unfamiliar scenario for the team, the travel following the game will.
Playing a home game and a road game in the same weekend is something that the Falcons did not have on their schedule at all last season. However, it is something that the Falcons will experience five times this season.
“[We’ll prepare for it] the same way we do for two home games,” said forward Dan DeSalvo. “You just have to hydrate and get some food and make sure you’re well rested.”
Niagara packs a significant punch on offense, with five players putting up more than 20 points last season, and six more players putting up more than 10 points.
All 11 of those players return this season.
The Purple Eagles also had a strong defense, posting a 2.14 goals–against average as a team. That number was bolstered by a 1.61 GAA and a .944 save percent from goalie Chris Noonan. However, Noonan graduated following the season.
This is the second straight season the Falcons have played OIT in an exhibition games. BG defeated the Ridgebacks 7-4 to open last season, outshooting them 48-17 in the process.
