Veteran Bowling Green State University hockey forward Taylor Schneider received the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s Player of the Week, after the Falcons’ dominant performance over Lake Superior last week.
The fifth-year Falcon was recognized for the multi-point weekend, totaling three goals and two assists.
BGSU coach Ty Eigner said it was nice to see one of the veterans play to his expectations.
“We know that they’re certainly capable and their history says that,” Eigner said. “They should be a part of our offense on a regular basis and it’s so good to see Taylor get rewarded.”
Another positive from the last series was seeing senior netminder Zack Rose between the pipes last Friday.
Sophomore goaltender Chrstian Stoever started in goal for many games, but with self-care and going to practice, Rose was able to make the trip to Sault Ste. Marie.
Eigner said that while Rose might not be at high peak health at the moment, he has found a way to see some minutes on the ice.
“He’s just basically trying to the best of his ability to manage the pain and put himself in a position where we feel like he can play,” he said.
Eigner also said that he is noticing changes in how the Falcons (8-8 overall, 7-5 CCHA) are playing.
Notably, sophomore forward Austen Swankler is in more of a playmaker role, rather than being strictly a goal scorer.
Eigner sees the change in his play as a positive and hopes that he can influence other lines to take roles that may be out of their comfort zone.
“It’s really fun to see that out of a young guy and that stuff becomes contagious,” he said. “Those kinds of things are really valuable for the entire bench to see.”
This weekend, the Falcons will face the Minnesota State Mavericks yet again after getting swept on the road in Mankato.
The Ferris State Bulldogs swept the No. 3-ranked Mavericks last series, which Eigner sees as an opportunity for BGSU to replicate.
“These points are important because the standings are really tight,” he said. “Our guys are excited about the opportunity.”
Although the Mavericks are not on their A-game, Eigner does not doubt their talents.
“We’re really focused on the things that we feel like we need to do and do them consistently to allow ourselves to be successful,” Eigner said.
The Falcons will be back at home Friday and Saturday to face the Mavericks.
