The Bowling Green State University hockey team (14-14-2, 11-9-2 CCHA) tied 4-4 with the Ferris State Bulldogs (11-13-4, 8-9-3 CCHA) at the Slater Family Ice Arena on Saturday.
The game eventually went to a shootout, where the Falcons fell, 2-1. The Falcons tallied up just two out of possible six points over the weekend.
It was another fun theme night in the Slate, as fans came to join “Teddy Bear Toss Night” with stuffed animals in hand for charity.
The Bulldogs came into the game fast and furious, scoring a goal just five minutes into the contest.
Four minutes later, a potential break came for the Falcons as FSU sophomore Zach Faremouth went to the box for cross-checking. However, a turnover in Bowling Green’s offensive zone led to a shorthanded goal to make it 2-0 FSU.
As Ferris State killed off the penalty, the Falcons looked desperate for a goal after a rough start.
Fortunately for the Falcons, with six minutes remaining, BGSU senior Chase Gresock found the back of the net to cut their lead in half.
Teddy bears came flying from the stands onto the ice, benefiting local charities for children in need.
In the dying minutes of the frame, the teams got physical and started to push and shove.
Among the skirmishes came another man advantage, but the period closed out with a score of 2-1 FSU.
Less than five minutes into the second, Ferris State came out fast yet again as senior Jason Brancheau got the puck past Falcon netminder Christian Stoever.
Lots of chippy behavior between the two teams ensued for back-and-forth penalties, but neither team seemed to be able to convert for most of the second period.
However, with just two minutes remaining, Falcon forward Nathan Burke buried one in the net to make it 3-2 FSU. The period expired with Bowling Green appearing a little more confident on the ice.
Fast goals were a theme for Ferris State as freshman Caiden Gault outplayed Stoever to make it 4-2 FSU. However, three minutes later, Gresock got his second of the night to bring BGSU back to within one.
After a period of penalties, a late power play opportunity proved advantageous for the Falcons as captain Alex Barber got the equalizer with five minutes to go.
A nail-biting overtime was not enough, and the Falcons were headed to their second shootout of the season. Four anxiety-inducing shootout rounds later, Ferris State came out victorious.
Despite the loss, Gresock had an impressive three-point stint against the Bulldogs. Gresock’s two goals gave him five multi-point games this season. The senior has 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points this season. In his career, he has 45 goals and 53 assists for 98 points.
He said he just kept in his mindset in order to not let the Ferris leads not get to him or his team.
“I just kept saying, ‘We need to play our game,’” said Gresock. “They’re a really tough team to beat.”
Christian Stoever made 28 saves in 65 minutes played. He was spectacular in the extra period, making highlight-reel saves to preserve the tie.
Playoff season is creeping around the corner, and the Falcons play their final away series of the year against the Michigan Tech Huskies on Feb. 10 and 11.
