Ryan Carpenter is hoping his days of being a spectator are almost over.The junior forward on
the Bowling Green Falcon hockey team hasn’t played in a game this season because of a broken finger and a
broken foot.He broke the finger when he was hit by a shot during BG’s exhibition Oct. 5. He was set to
return for BG’s series at Ferris State Nov. 15-16, but was hit by a shot in practice Nov. 13 and hasn’t
skated since.Carpenter, who was named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association coaches preseason
all-league team, led BG with 18 goals and 33 points last season.“It’s been hard I’m not used to not playing
and being a part of the everyday activities,” Carpenter said. “It’s really tested my patience.“I’ve learned
a lot. Hockey is such a big part of my life and I’m not participating, but I’ve learned that even though I’m
not playing hockey, I can still be happy and joyful everyday. My happiness isn’t dictated by playing
hockey.”Carpenter is hoping to return to the lineup at Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 3-4.“The foot feels better,”
Carpenter said. “I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”The Falcons play seventh-ranked Boston
College Friday, and Robert Morris or Penn State Saturday in the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh.Carpenter
is expected to skate with the team in practice both days in Pittsburgh, but won’t play in either game.“I’ve
had a renewed hunger and focus from sitting out, and it makes you appreciate it a whole lot more,” Carpenter
said. “Watching the games is hard. When we’re winning, it’s a lot easier being in the stands. If we’re
losing close games, that’s when you get more anxious to play. You want to be out there helping the team, but
I can only control what I can control. I’m just trying to get healthy and encourage the guys on the team,
and build them up.”REST: The Falcons are enjoying their first break since the season started. BG has been
off since the Tech series.“I want us to have some time to rest mentally and physically,” Bergeron said.
“They need time to rest. They need time to relax and spend time with their families.”BG also has a weekend
off in January and February.PP/PK: Although the Falcons still are seeking consistency and improvement from
the special teams, their power-play and penalty-killing units are much improved over last season.The Falcon
power play are at 18.6 percent on the power, play this season, compared to 13.7 percent last season.The BG
penalty-killing is at 83 percent this season, compared to 76.4 percent last season.