vs. Northern Michigan (11/2-11/3)

[mbenecke]

This afternoon, the new USCHO poll was revealed and our Falcons are now up to #9 in the country.

A big series is on tap this weekend as we host the Northern Michigan Wildcats. NMU is the team that eliminated us in the WCHA playoffs last year, and they're been predicted near the top of the conference with us. If this team is going to accomplish all the goals they have set this year, this series will be a great early test for us.

As always, I am hoping for a lot of fans to fill the arena this weekend, as this is the type of series that will likely play a role in determining who will host the WCHA semifinals (or even finals) in March. Saturday night's game is a #WhiteOut, so all fans that attend are encouraged to wear white.

Atte Tolvanen is one considered of the best goaltenders in the conference. He was picked by the media AND coaches to be first team all-WCHA in the pre-season, following his selection to the first team a year ago. Solving him, while also containing Rockwood, Craighead, Loggins, and Beaulieu, are our keys to victory this weekend.

Goaltender Stats

NMU
Atte Tolvanen: GAA - 2.84, SV% - .905, 2-4-0

BGSU
Ryan Bednard: GAA - 1.48, SV% - .940, 5-0-1
Eric Dop: GAA - 3.09, SV% - .893, 0-1-0

NMU's Last 5:
vs. Bemidji State, L 2-1
vs. Bemidji State, W 3-0
@ St. Cloud State, L 5-0
@ St. Cloud State, L 4-1
@ Michigan State, W 4-3

Leave your predictions and thoughts below. Looking forward to having the boys play in front of a home crowd as a top-10 team for the first time in my undergraduate career!

[gmartin]

#9 seems right to me. However OSU ahead of us at #7. Voters are still looking back towards last year I see.

I think BG will win both games this weekend. 5-1, and then 4-2.

[pdt1081]

Shouldn't Tolvanen have a doctorate by now? He's turning into Northern's Turco.

[mbenecke]

This series will feature reigning WCHA players of the month Max Johnson (Forward), Alec Rauhauser (Defenseman), and Ryan Bednard (goalie).

Our program is gaining tons of recognition, both within the BG community and the WCHA footprint as well as nationally. At the football game last night, when they introduced the athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher, the hockey team got easily the largest pop from the crowd. It's good that people are starting to realize once again how much of a force this team can be.

I really hope to see lots of people at the games this weekend. I understand that there are conflicts with high school football playoffs and men's/women's soccer game conflicts both nights, but this team really deserves to play in front of sold out crowds every weekend. Grab a friend and bring them out both nights this weekend!

[pdt1081]

This could be the best team BG faces all season (until the trip up there).

[gmartin]

1-0 BG. 5 min remain 1st period.

[gmartin]

Across the street, BG and Ohio scoreless in MAC semi of Women's soccer.

[gmartin]

1-0 after 1st period.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Really like Letourneu’s forechecking.

[gmartin]

BG WOMEN SCORE A GOAL!!!!!!!!

Less than 20 minutes remain.

[gmartin]

BG WOMEN SCORE A GOAL!!!!!!!!

Less than 20 minutes remain.

BG women win and onto the MAC Championship game on Sunday

[Falconfreak90]

14:21 left in the 3rd and BG clings to a 2-1 lead...

[gmartin]

Kruse with the breakaway goal!!!

3-1 Falcons

[Falconfreak90]

Kruse with the breakaway goal!!!

3-1 Falcons

3 min left! Hang on fellas....

BG wins!! 6-1-1. Damn what a start.

[gmartin]

And Ohio State just beat Notre Dame
Lake Superior beating Michigan