Bulldogs Take Five-of-Six Points from Bowling Green In Epic Shootout Thriller

Bowling Green, Ohio - The Ferris State Bulldogs took five out of six Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) points with shootout victory over Bowling Green following a 4-4 tie on Saturday (Feb. 4) at the Slater Family Ice Arena.

The Bulldogs had eight different point-getters in a strong all-around effort, while sophomore goaltender Noah Giesbrecht made 33 saves with three shootout saves on the night.

Ferris State got in front when sophomore forward Nick Nardecchia deflected a point-shot in for his second goal of the year at 5:10 of the opening frame. Junior forward Blake Evennou (12) and sophomore forward Zach Faremouth (3) picked up the helpers for a 1-0 lead.

Midway through the first period, Ferris State went up 2-0 on a shorthanded goal by junior forward Mitch Deelstra (6) on a turnover by the Falcons in the midst of their first power play at 11:38.

Bowling Green cut the lead when Chase Gresock scored at 14:43 of the first period to make it 2-1.

Early in the second, Ferris State senior forward Jason Brancheau scored his team-best 10th goal of the year at 3:44, going backhand roof for a 3-1 lead. Senior defenseman Brendan MacLaren (9) had an assist on the play, while junior forward Antonio Venuto added his sixth assist of the campaign.

The Falcons again cut the lead to one at 18:12 of the second on a net front power play scramble when Nathan Burke scored to make it 3-2 Ferris State.

Early in the third, Ferris State got a break when freshman forward Caiden Gault gunned a shot that stunned BGSU goaltender Christian Stoever, it bounced off his shoulder, over him and into the goal for his second goal of the year and a 4-2 lead.

Bowling Green tied the game with back-to-back goals at 5:18 (Gresock), and 15:03 (Alex Barber) to force overtime at 4-4.

In a hotly contested overtime, neither side could find the back of the net, though the Bulldogs hit a goal post and both teams were stuffed on breakaways.

In the ensuing shootout, Ferris State junior forward Stepan Pokorny went backhand shelf for a shootout goal, while senior forward Jason Brancheau tied Stoever in knots with a backhand-forehand finish around Stoever's left toe. Giesbrecht stopped Ryan O'Hara in the fourth round to give the Bulldogs two points.

With the shootout victory, Bemidji State is now just one point ahead of the Bulldogs and coming to town next weekend (Feb. 10-11) for the final CCHA home ice playoff spot. 

Tickets are on sale now but going fast. Friday's game is set for 7:07 pm ET, with Saturday locked in for 6:07 pm ET. Tickets can be purchased at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/tickets.