The Bowling Green Falcons (6-3-2; 3-2-2 CCHA) erased the memory of a 9-3 thrashing at the hands of Wayne State last week, as they skated to a 2-2 tie against the Miami RedHawks Friday.
For the RedHawks (5-7-1; 3-5-1 CCHA), the tie gave them their first point on the road this season. Miami is now 0-5-1 on the road in the 2004-05 campaign.
After starting the season 4-0, The RedHawks have struggled, winning only one of their last nine games. Friday’s tie was hard-fought, according to Miami head coach Enrico Blasi.
“I’m not saying that our team hasn’t played hard the last month, but it’s definitely been eating away at our confidence,” said Blasi. “Coming in here on the road and giving a solid effort for 60 minutes was important for our team, and we got a point out of it.”
For Bowling Green head coach Scott Paluch, the effort showed by his players was big after a tough loss last week.
“Tonight, we were able to stick around with some good saves by Jordan [Sigalet] and some hard work all around to get a tie,” said Paluch.
Both goalies played well for their respective teams, despite each giving up a fluke goal. After Sigalet let a goal trickle through his legs, Miami goalie Brandon Crawford-West allowed a floater past him to tie the game.
“Our league is just so talented in net, and you saw two of the best tonight,” said Blasi. “They gave up a bad goal each tonight. I think Brandon might have felt bad for Jordan.”
Sigalet stopped 29 of Miami’s 31 shots, en route to earning Perani Cup first-star honors. Crawford-West stopped 20 of BG’s 22 shots.
Blasi was satisfied to get the point against in-state rival Bowling Green.
“In this league, you’re never disappointed when you get a point,” said Blasi. “Bowling Green is a good hockey team. To get points in our league — I don’t care who you play — especially on the road, you’re doing something right.”
After a scoreless first period, the RedHawks lit the lamp for their first goal at the 2:34 mark of the second period. Senior winger Todd Grant picked up a rebound in front of BG netminder Jordan Sigalet and stuffed it home for the 1-0 Miami lead. The goal, Grant’s sixth of the year, came on the power play. Ryan Jones and Chris Busby assisted on the play.
Bowling Green got the equalizer just over a minute later. Senior Chris Pedota laced a crisp pass by the Miami defenseman and found the tape of Alex Foster. He beat Crawford-West on the glove side for his third goal of the season. Rich Meloche assisted on the play.
The RedHawks regained the lead late in the second period. Center Chris Michael, skating below the left circle threw the puck toward the goal crease with his stick. The puck went through the five-hole of Sigalet, deflected off the right leg, and trickled over the goal line. For Michael, it was his seventh goal of the year. Ryan Jones and Andy Greene assisted on the goal.
The Falcons tied the game in the third period at the 12:07 mark. Defenseman Don Morrison notched his second goal of the season, a wrister from the top of the left circle that fooled Crawford-West, going over his right shoulder. Ben Geelan and Jordan Sigalet added the assists.
The RedHawks finished the night 1 for 6 on the power play, while the Falcons were shut out in four attempts.
The teams will square off again Saturday night at the BG Ice Arena. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
