Bulldogs Fall In Overtime Heartbreaker To Open Final CCHA Home Series

Highlights 
Postgame Press Conference 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team held a one-goal lead for more than two periods, but Bowling Green rallied to record a 2-1 overtime victory over the Bulldogs as FSU opened its final Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regular-season home series on Friday (Feb. 15) night inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The win was BGSU's third victory over FSU in the past four games between the two teams in Big Rapids and the third decided in overtime as the Falcons topped the Bulldogs twice in extra period action during last season's CCHA Tournament second-round series.  FSU had beat BGSU twice earlier this year on the road in league action back in November.

The Bulldogs struck first late in the first period when senior wing Kyle Bonis tallied his team-high 16th goal of the season at 16:37 of the opening frame. Sophomore defenseman Simon Denis earned his 14th assist of the season when he shot the puck on net from the right point to senior center Matthew Kirzinger, who made a one-touch pass to Bonis for his second assist of the year.

Ferris State held a decisive 17-7 margin in total shots during the opening period and had some opportunities in the second while outshooting the Falcons 12-9 in the frame despite the fact the score remained 1-0 after two periods.

In the third period, though, the Falcons tallied 10 shots on goal compared to eight for the Bulldogs.  BGSU was able to force overtime by tying the game at a goal apiece with only 1:28 remaining in regulation when Camden Wojtala notched the puck in the net from the bottom of the right post with assists awarded to both Brent Tate and Robert Shea.

In overtime, all six shots went to Bowling Green and the Falcons stunned the home crowd by scoring 2:13 into the extra frame when leading-scorer Ryan Carpenter scored a high backhand goal on the rebound. Connor Kucera fed the puck to Carpenter from the high point after receiving the pass from Dan DeSalvo as both picked up assists on Carpenter's 13^th goal of the year.

The Bulldogs had four penalties on the night for a total of eight minutes while the Falcons had three penalties for a total of six minutes. The Bulldogs were unable to find the back of the net on three man-advantage opportunities and the Falcons were unable to convert on four power-plays.

Sophomore Bulldog goaltender CJ Motte registered 30 saves on the night in 62:13 between the pipes while Tommy Burke made 36 saves on the opposite end of the ice for the Falcons to claim second star honors. The Bulldogs led the shots by a count of 37-32 for the night.

First star recognition was awarded to Carpenter for his game-winning goal while FSU's Bonis picked up the third star in the tilt.

With the setback, Ferris State dropped to 14-13-4 overall record along with 12-11-2-1 in the CCHA. Meanwhile, BGSU improved to 12-14-5 overall record and now hold a 9-11-3-1 record in league competition.

Following Friday night's action, the Bulldogs are now tied with Ohio State for fourth place in the league standings as both teams have 39 points and remain two points in front of Alaska's 37-point figure.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday (Feb. 16) night before a sold out crowd inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena for the Bulldogs' last CCHA regular-season home game.  The official puck drop is set for 5:06 p.m. (ET) as part of Fox Sports Detroit's "Hockey Day In Michigan" coverage live from Big Rapids. Fred Pletsch, who serves as the commissioner of the CCHA, will team up with Darren Eliot to call the action while Justin White will serve as the rinkside reporter.

Fox Sports Detroit is carried via DirecTV on channel 663 along with channel 430 on Dish Network. The station is also carried on many local cable and satellite providers across the country and fans are encouraged to check their local listings for availability.  It will also be simulcast on Fox College Sports Central.

Saturday night's game will serve as FSU's annual "Senior Night" contest and the Bulldogs will honor five seniors prior to the game.  Ferris State fans are encouraged to wear red, come early and cheer loud for the Bulldogs as part of a "Red Out" effort on Saturday.  The first 500 fans will receive free thundersticks and a special "Skate with the Dawgs" event will also take place following the regular-season home finale.  It will mark the final regular-season home game in the 42-year history of the CCHA.

Saturday night's sellout will represent the Bulldogs' fifth capacity crowd of the 2012-13 campaign and it marks the 11th sellout for the Bulldogs since the second half of last season.