Bulldogs Battle To The Finish In Road Setback At Bowling Green In Series' Finale

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team fought hard, but fell to the Bowling Green Falcons 3-1 on Saturday (Feb. 22) night in the series finale in Bowling Green, Ohio.

The two teams played an even first period as FSU jumped on the board first at 7:01 of the opening frame on a power play goal from senior Jason Tackett, which was assisted by Zach Yoder and Jake Willets.

However, the Falcons answered at 16:01 of the first period when Casey Linkenheld found the back of the net on a shot assisted by Connor Ford and TJ Lloyd.

The score stood until 5:01 of the second when BGSU's Brandon Kruse gave the Falcons the advantage on his goal. Ford and Max Johnson assisted the play.

The Bulldogs had opportunities to tie it up in the second and third periods, but could never get the equalizer. The Falcons added an empty net goal with 18 seconds remaining from Alex Barber with Ford picking up his third assist of the evening on a shot also assisted by Justin Wells.

The Falcons edged the Bulldogs in total shots by a 30-23 count, but went 0-of-5 on the power play. The Bulldogs finished 1-of-4 with the man-advantage.

Eric Dop garnered the win for the Falcons with 22 saves on 23 shots to move to 16-11-3 on the year. Despite 27 saves, FSU's Roni Salmenkangas suffered the setback while playing 58:55 of total net time for the Bulldogs.

Ferris State returns home for its final regular-season action trying to keep its WCHA postseason hopes alive as the Bulldogs host Lake Superior State on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-29, at the Ewigleben Ice Arena. Puck drop on Friday is slated for 7:07 p.m. (ET) with Saturday's Senior Night finale beginning at 6:07 p.m. (ET).

Tickets for next weekend's home action are on sale now and can be purchased online at StarTickets.com or call (231) 591-2888 for additional information.