Bulldogs Fall In Final Seconds After Strong Comeback Effort In Season Opener

Bowling Green, Ohio - The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team opened its season with a dramatic comeback at nationally #16-ranked Bowling Green, but fell 3-2 on a goal in the final 13 seconds in non-conference action on Friday (Dec. 11) evening.

Ferris State senior forward Lucas Finner snagged a pair of assists to open his season while Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) preseason all-league member and sophomore defensemen Jake Willets picked up his first tally of the year.

The Falcons took a 2-0 lead on goals by Alex Barber at 2:00 of the second period and Seth Fyten at 11:08 of the middle frame.

Ferris State mounted its charge by first scoring on the power play, when Willets fired in a rebound off of a shot by Finner to cut the Falcon lead to 2-1 at the left side of the goal. Sophomore defenseman Blake Evennou also picked up an assist on the play, his first of the year.

Late in the third, senior forward Coale Norris batted in a backhander to even the contest at 2-2 for his first marker of the campaign at 14:29 of the final period. Finner (2) and junior forward Justin Michaelian (1) picked up helpers on the play.

The Falcons regained the lead at 19:48 of the third when Max Johnson tipped in a point shot to give BGSU a 3-2 lead, which held for the win.

In goal, junior goaltender Roni Salmenkangas got the start for Ferris State and made 24 stops on 26 shots before the Bulldogs made a planned switch after 37:23 of play. Sophomore Carter McPhail made 10 stops and allowed one goal.

Bowling Green's Zack Rose made 19 stops for BGSU in goal. The Bulldogs finished 1-1 on the power play while holding the Falcons 0-1.

Ferris State takes on Bowling Green on Saturday (Dec. 12) at 7:07 pm ET inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena. The contest will mark the Bulldogs' home opener this year and conclude the home-and-home non-conference series.

Due to the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order restricting attendance at all sporting events across the state, no fans will be allowed for this Saturday night's home game. 

Despite not being able to attend Saturday's home tilt, fans will still be able to watch the Bulldogs compete thru the WCHA's pay-per-view online streaming package via FloHockey. The game will also be carried live on local flagship radio station Sunny 97.3 FM and the Bulldog Sports Network with Harrison Watt calling the play-by-play action. For a complete listing of links and details, please visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com.