Bowling Green is becoming a good defensive team.The Falcon hockey team has allowed two or fewer
goals in seven straight games and is seventh in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in goals allowed
(2.54).BG is 5-1-1 in those seven games.In its first 17 games, BG gave up two or fewer goals just seven
times."There seems to be some organization there," Falcon coach Chris Bergeron said. "There
seems to be, for the most part, a purpose. When we’re doing things properly 5-on-5, the details are right.¬†
We’re giving (our opponents) what we want and then we can collapse and close on that. But ultimately, I like
the way we’re competing on defense."BG will be tested defensively Friday and Saturday when it visits
sixth-ranked Miami.Miami is averaging 2.38 goals per game and scoring at 14.8 percent on the power
play.Sophomore forward Austin Czarnik leads Miami with 26 points on nine goals and 17 assists, while
freshman forward Riley Barber has nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points.The RedHawks also receive ample
offense from their defensemen, including freshman Matthew Caito, who has three goals and seven assists.Miami
has a good mix of speed and skill, and size and strength. As a result, it can play any style."They’re
on you all the time. You have no time to do anything," Bergeron said. "We have to find a way to
limit the amount of time we spend in our own zone. Miami will expose you just because they wear you down.
For a high level, high skill team, they compete really hard."SERIES: The Falcons are 0-13-1 in their
last 14 games against Miami and 0-14-1 in their last 15 games at Miami.The tie came in a 4-4 draw at Miami
last season. The Falcons’ last victory against Miami came 4-2 in BG Jan. 4, 2008.RETURN: Bergeron is in his
third season at BG after serving 10 seasons as an assistant coach at Miami. He also played there from
1989-93."It’ll always be the most difficult place for me to go as a visitor," Bergeron said.
"It’s nice to see people. It’s a part of my life and it’ll always be a part of my life, and I’m proud
of that."It’s a difficult place for me to go because I cheer for them when we’re not playing them and
when we are, I don’t want them to do well. That will never change because of how deep my feelings go for the
place."BG TIES: Barber, a freshman forward, is the son of former BG star Don Barber. Riley Barber was a
sixth-round NHL draft pick of the Washington Capitals last year.Don Barber had 83 goals and 115 assists in
155 games at BG from 1984-88. He went onto play six seasons in the NHL with six different teams.TV: Both
BG-Miami games will be shown live by Time-Warner Sports Channel (311, 1311 in HD).INJURIES: Defenseman Jake
Sloat (leg) is the only injured Falcon. BG is back to having a full complement of forwards with the return
of Brett Mohler to practice this week."(Sloat’s) closing in on playing," Bergeron said. "But
it comes back to his mobility was part of his strength. He hasn’t got it (his mobility) back yet. When it’s
your feet and you’re a guy who can skate, it makes it difficult. It’s going to be a little bit yet."