Bowling Green State University Athletics
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Union
Falcons Start Season, 2-0, with Shutout Over Union
October 23, 2004 | Ice Hockey
Oct. 23, 2004
SCHENECTADY, New York - The Bowling Green State University hockey team, behind Jordan Sigalet's fourth career shutout, downed Union College Saturday night, 1-0, and began the season 2-0 for the first time in eight years dating back to the 1996-97 season.
"For us to come on the road and get two wins, and to do it differently down the stretch in both games, was impressive," said BGSU Coach Scott Paluch. "To have the one goal lead and have that goal stand up to give us the series sweep is huge momentum to start the year and well deserved by our guys.
"We were very energetic, we moved the puck well, we moved our feet and created loose pucks, we just worked extremely hard for a 120 minutes all weekend."
BGSU came out of the gates fast out-shooting Union 26-10 in the first two periods, but were unable to notch a goal until Jonathan Matsumoto scored the game-winning power-play goal at the 11:33 mark of the second period behind assists from James Unger and Brett Pilkington.
Sigalet made the lead stand up. The Dutchman held a 14-3 edge in shots in the final period, but the first-team All-CCHA goaltender shutdown the Union offense, turning back all 14 shots and enroute to recording his first shutout of the season.
"To get a sweep on the road is huge," said Sigalet. "The guys played awesome all weekend, played real consistent. It usually takes a few games to get going in the start of the season, but I think having that time at the start of the year to practice and work out with Matt Messaros (strength coach), it really got us together and tight as a team."
The senior from Surrey, British Columbia, was impressed with the performance of the Falcon rookies.
"Our freshmen class is just awesome...their a good bunch of guys. Everyone's close, from seniors down to freshmen, and I think that's going to be a big difference."
For the weekend Sigalet turned away 60 of the 61 shots faced.
BGSU returns home for their home opener on Oct. 29-30 when they face off with Lake Superior State. Friday's action will begin at 7:05, with Saturday's showdown starting at 2:35.
