Falcons Shut Out Michigan State, 1-0

Friday, November 2

East Lansing, Mich.

5:05 p.m.

Bowling Green State University

Michigan State

Photo by: Todd Pavlack / BGSUHockey.com

November 02, 2012 | Ice Hockey

By: John Enright - BGSU Athletic Communications

Box Score
Postgame Audio: Coach Chris Bergeron | Andrew Hammond | Connor Kucera

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Bowling Green State University ice hockey team defeated Michigan State Friday night, shutting out the Spartans, 1-0, to earn their second win of the season. Sophomore Connor Kucera scored the lone goal for the Falcons, while senior Andrew Hammond (1-2-1) stopped 29-of-29 shots in his return between the pipes. Both teams were 0-for-5 on the power play.

The Orange and Brown dominated the opening frame, outshooting the Spartans by a 9-5 margin. The Falcons made the most of their nine shots on goal, cashing in at even strength with 3:44 remaining in the first period.

Bowling Green moved the puck around the Michigan State zone, cycling down below the left faceoff circle. Sophomore Adam Berkle took control of the puck, and passed it back towards the blue line. Kucera took the pass, and sent a high shot towards the Spartan cage. Sophomore Dan DeSalvo waited in front, screening Michigan State goaltender Jake Hildebrand. Kucera's shot flew towards the Spartan net, beating Hildebrand to give Bowling Green the 1-0 lead.

Michigan State outshot Bowling Green through the rest of the contest, sending 24 shots on Hammond in the final two periods of play. The Spartans also failed to cash in on four power-play opportunities through the final two frames, sending six shots on the Bowling Green cage with the man advantage.

The Spartans were unable to solve Hammond for the remainder of the contest, giving the Falcons their second win of the season, and first CCHA regulation victory.

Kucera's game-winning tally marked his first goal of the season, and second of his career. Kucera's last goal came in the second round of the CCHA Playoffs last season, in the Falcons' 4-7 loss to Ferris State (3/10/12).

Hammond's shutout victory against Michigan State Friday night marked his first win of the season, and fifth career shutout. Hammond's last shutout came on Oct. 21, 2011, a 1-0 win at Lake Superior last season.

Bowling Green's 1-0 win also snaps an eight game winless streak against Michigan State, dating back to Feb. 21, 2009, a 4-0 win at the BGSU Ice Arena. The win marks the Falcons' first victory in East Lansing since the 2006-07 season, a 2-1 at Munn Ice Arena (Feb. 24, 2007).

The win improves Bowling Green's record to 2-4-2 overall, and 1-1-1-1 in CCHA action. The loss drops Michigan State's overall record to 2-4-1, with a record of 1-2-0-0 in conference play.

The Falcons are back in action Saturday night in the second half of the home-and-home series, facing off against Michigan State at the BGSU Ice Arena. The puck is set to drop at 7:05 p.m.