Bowling Green State University Athletics
Turn Back The Clock: BGSU Hockey In the 2000s
February 14, 2020 | Ice Hockey
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Bowling Green State University hockey at the varsity level, the BGSU Department of Athletics will take a look back at the history of the program. This is the fourth of a five-part series looking back at each decade of the program. Today we review the era from 2000-09. BGSU will celebrate the 50th anniversary on Feb. 22 as the Falcons host Ferris State.
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PART ONE: 1969-79
PART TWO: 1980-89
PART THREE: 1990-99
2000-09
Overall Record: 126-219-35 (.378)
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While the Bowling Green State University hockey program did not see the same postseason successes as it did in previous decades, the 2000s provided plenty of memorable moments and iconic players. Among those moments was a 56-save performance from Jordan Sigalet against Notre Dame. The goaltender is the last Falcon to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Under Scott Paluch, the Orange and Brown had a CCHA First Team All-Academic selection for seven consecutive seasons. Among those selections was two-time honoree Kyle Page, who was a member of the 2007-08 squad that won 18 games and played in the CCHA quarterfinals. Derek Whitmore, who was a captain on that team, ranks 19th in team history with 70 career goals.
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Notable Win Streak – 5 games in 2000-01
After a 1-4-1 stretch to conclude February, the 2000-01 Falcons needed a late push for a strong CCHA finish. In the first game of March, BGSU and Ferris State battled for over sixty minutes without a score. The Falcons were able to capitalize in overtime, scoring to win 1-0. The following night, they secured another one-goal victory over the Bulldogs, a 3-2 regulation triumph. This closed the regular season, with the Orange and Brown earning the ninth seed in the CCHA tournament.
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In the opening round, the Falcons faced off against Miami, a team that swept the regular season series by a combined score of 13-5. BGSU did not back down from the CCHA's second seed, despite the Redhawks' 8-1 record in home postseason games. The Falcons won the first game 4-3, thanks to a thrilling comeback in the third period. Trailing 3-1 with less than 18 minutes remaining, Tyler Knight, Scott Hewson, and Ryan Murphy all scored to give the Falcons an improbable victory. The following night, the Falcons surrendered a late goal in the third period that tied the game. In overtime, Grady Moore rattled home a goal to give the Falcons an upset victory that advanced them to the CCHA play-in game and extend their winning streak to four games.
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In the CCHA play-in game, BGSU battled Northern Michigan to a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation. Facing yet another overtime game, the Falcons once again scored in the sudden death period to win their fifth consecutive game and advance to the CCHA semifinals. Although the Falcons lost the semifinal game to number one-ranked Michigan State, their valiant effort gave them their last semifinal appearance until 2011-12. Goaltender Tyler Masters was a key player during the streak, allowing zero overtime goals en route to accumulating a then-school record 1,087 saves on the season.
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Notable Performance
One of the most impressive individual seasons in NCAA history featured Falcon goaltender Jordan Sigalet. The junior topped the country with 1,140 saves, with a school-record 56 coming in a 5-3 victory over Notre Dame. On Oct. 17, 2003, the Fighting Irish fired 59 shots at the Falcon goaltender. He saved an astonishing 56 of them, helping the Falcons wins their first regular season game of the season.
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Sigalet held the Fighting Irish to one power play goal on eight chances. After saving 12 shots in the first period, Sigalet saved 22 in the second and 22 more in the third. A final-period push from the Falcons broke a 3-3 tie, and Sigalet's dominance between the pipes secured a BGSU victory in South Bend.
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Notable Players
Jordan Sigalet (G): One of Bowling Green's most prolific and inspirational players, Jordan Sigalet played between the pipes from 2001-2005. He is the program's all-time leader in conference saves with 2,610, and he ranks third in total saves (3,147) and save percentage (.915). He is tied for fifth all-time in shutouts (4) and ranks fifth in conference goals against average (2.99). His career goals against average of 2.98 ranks sixth, as does his career playing time of 5,924:09.
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No season was more hectic for Sigalet than the 2003-04 campaign, which saw him make a single-season record 1,140 saves in 37 games. This total was also first in the nation that season. He spent 2,210:02 on the ice, with a save percentage of .919. 839 of his saves came during conference play, which is also a school record. He was also the first Falcon goaltender to face two penalty shots in the same season. For his efforts, he was named First Team All-CCHA.
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During his junior season, Sigalet was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). As a senior, the team held a press conference for the captain to announce his diagnosis. He continued playing, helping the Falcons to their first winning conference record since 1995-96. He posted a 2.89 GAA, earning Second Team All-CCHA honors. He was a recipient of the Terry Flanagan Memorial Award and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist. After spending a season with the Boston Bruins, Sigalet played a few seasons in the AHL before taking the goaltending coach position for the Calgary Flames.
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Jonathan Matsumoto (C/W): In just three seasons with the Falcons, Jonathan Matsumoto scored 113 points, including 32 as a freshman. This total was the highest on the team, making him the third freshman in program history to lead the team in scoring. He was named to the CCHA Honorable Mention All-Rookie Team. The following season, he scored two power play goals in the second period against Boston College, marking the last occasion a Falcon scored multiple power play goals in a period. He finished with three goals that game, helping the Orange and Brown put forth a valiant effort in a 9-6 loss to the country's fourth-ranked team. He remains the last Falcon to compile a hat trick against a non-conference opponent. He finished the season with 48 points, ranking second on the team.
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Prior to his junior year, Matsumoto was selected in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He was named alternate captain and scored 33 points that season, pushing his career total to 113. He chose to forgo his senior season to join the Flyers, and he spent two seasons in the NHL, scoring two goals. Matsumoto currently plays for Kölner Haie of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).
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D'Arcy McConvey (C): A two-time captain and Bowling Green's most recent Academic All-American, D'Arcy McConvey finished his career with 102 points. In addition to being a 2003-04 Third Team Academic All-American, McConvey was a three-time CCHA First Team All-Academic selection. He led the Falcons in points and assists as a junior and senior. McConvey was also a three-time recipient of the Jack Gregory Scholar-Athlete Award and a two-time recipient of the Dr. Ron Zwierlein Leadership Award.
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Notable Coach
Scott Paluch (2002-09): The first man to play for the Falcons and spend time as the head coach, Scott Paluch was a captain on the 1987-88 squad and coached the Orange and Brown from 2002-09. As captain, he led BGSU to 30 wins, a conference title, and a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals. The All-American finished his playing career with 169 points, ranking first among true defensemen and 18th among all BGSU players. After a brief stint in the IHL, Paluch returned to the Falcons in 1990 as an assistant coach. He departed for Boston College with Jerry York in 1994 but returned to his roots and filled Bowling Green's head coach vacancy in 2002.
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As the head coach of the Falcons, Paluch led the Orange and Brown to 88 wins, including 61 victories in CCHA play. In 2004-05, he led the Falcons to 13 conference wins and a fifth place finish in the CCHA. In 2007-08, BGSU won 18 games and played in the CCHA quarterfinals. Paluch mentored a Falcon to CCHA First Team All-Academic in each season he coached, including D'Arcy McConvey, who was Academic All-America Third Team in 2003-04. Paluch resigned from his position in 2009 to take a position as regional manager of USA Hockey's American Development Model. In 2013, he was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
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PART ONE: 1969-79
PART TWO: 1980-89
PART THREE: 1990-99
2000-09
Overall Record: 126-219-35 (.378)
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While the Bowling Green State University hockey program did not see the same postseason successes as it did in previous decades, the 2000s provided plenty of memorable moments and iconic players. Among those moments was a 56-save performance from Jordan Sigalet against Notre Dame. The goaltender is the last Falcon to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Under Scott Paluch, the Orange and Brown had a CCHA First Team All-Academic selection for seven consecutive seasons. Among those selections was two-time honoree Kyle Page, who was a member of the 2007-08 squad that won 18 games and played in the CCHA quarterfinals. Derek Whitmore, who was a captain on that team, ranks 19th in team history with 70 career goals.
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Notable Win Streak – 5 games in 2000-01
After a 1-4-1 stretch to conclude February, the 2000-01 Falcons needed a late push for a strong CCHA finish. In the first game of March, BGSU and Ferris State battled for over sixty minutes without a score. The Falcons were able to capitalize in overtime, scoring to win 1-0. The following night, they secured another one-goal victory over the Bulldogs, a 3-2 regulation triumph. This closed the regular season, with the Orange and Brown earning the ninth seed in the CCHA tournament.
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In the opening round, the Falcons faced off against Miami, a team that swept the regular season series by a combined score of 13-5. BGSU did not back down from the CCHA's second seed, despite the Redhawks' 8-1 record in home postseason games. The Falcons won the first game 4-3, thanks to a thrilling comeback in the third period. Trailing 3-1 with less than 18 minutes remaining, Tyler Knight, Scott Hewson, and Ryan Murphy all scored to give the Falcons an improbable victory. The following night, the Falcons surrendered a late goal in the third period that tied the game. In overtime, Grady Moore rattled home a goal to give the Falcons an upset victory that advanced them to the CCHA play-in game and extend their winning streak to four games.
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In the CCHA play-in game, BGSU battled Northern Michigan to a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation. Facing yet another overtime game, the Falcons once again scored in the sudden death period to win their fifth consecutive game and advance to the CCHA semifinals. Although the Falcons lost the semifinal game to number one-ranked Michigan State, their valiant effort gave them their last semifinal appearance until 2011-12. Goaltender Tyler Masters was a key player during the streak, allowing zero overtime goals en route to accumulating a then-school record 1,087 saves on the season.
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Notable Performance
One of the most impressive individual seasons in NCAA history featured Falcon goaltender Jordan Sigalet. The junior topped the country with 1,140 saves, with a school-record 56 coming in a 5-3 victory over Notre Dame. On Oct. 17, 2003, the Fighting Irish fired 59 shots at the Falcon goaltender. He saved an astonishing 56 of them, helping the Falcons wins their first regular season game of the season.
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Sigalet held the Fighting Irish to one power play goal on eight chances. After saving 12 shots in the first period, Sigalet saved 22 in the second and 22 more in the third. A final-period push from the Falcons broke a 3-3 tie, and Sigalet's dominance between the pipes secured a BGSU victory in South Bend.
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Notable Players
Jordan Sigalet (G): One of Bowling Green's most prolific and inspirational players, Jordan Sigalet played between the pipes from 2001-2005. He is the program's all-time leader in conference saves with 2,610, and he ranks third in total saves (3,147) and save percentage (.915). He is tied for fifth all-time in shutouts (4) and ranks fifth in conference goals against average (2.99). His career goals against average of 2.98 ranks sixth, as does his career playing time of 5,924:09.
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No season was more hectic for Sigalet than the 2003-04 campaign, which saw him make a single-season record 1,140 saves in 37 games. This total was also first in the nation that season. He spent 2,210:02 on the ice, with a save percentage of .919. 839 of his saves came during conference play, which is also a school record. He was also the first Falcon goaltender to face two penalty shots in the same season. For his efforts, he was named First Team All-CCHA.
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During his junior season, Sigalet was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). As a senior, the team held a press conference for the captain to announce his diagnosis. He continued playing, helping the Falcons to their first winning conference record since 1995-96. He posted a 2.89 GAA, earning Second Team All-CCHA honors. He was a recipient of the Terry Flanagan Memorial Award and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist. After spending a season with the Boston Bruins, Sigalet played a few seasons in the AHL before taking the goaltending coach position for the Calgary Flames.
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Jonathan Matsumoto (C/W): In just three seasons with the Falcons, Jonathan Matsumoto scored 113 points, including 32 as a freshman. This total was the highest on the team, making him the third freshman in program history to lead the team in scoring. He was named to the CCHA Honorable Mention All-Rookie Team. The following season, he scored two power play goals in the second period against Boston College, marking the last occasion a Falcon scored multiple power play goals in a period. He finished with three goals that game, helping the Orange and Brown put forth a valiant effort in a 9-6 loss to the country's fourth-ranked team. He remains the last Falcon to compile a hat trick against a non-conference opponent. He finished the season with 48 points, ranking second on the team.
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Prior to his junior year, Matsumoto was selected in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He was named alternate captain and scored 33 points that season, pushing his career total to 113. He chose to forgo his senior season to join the Flyers, and he spent two seasons in the NHL, scoring two goals. Matsumoto currently plays for Kölner Haie of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).
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D'Arcy McConvey (C): A two-time captain and Bowling Green's most recent Academic All-American, D'Arcy McConvey finished his career with 102 points. In addition to being a 2003-04 Third Team Academic All-American, McConvey was a three-time CCHA First Team All-Academic selection. He led the Falcons in points and assists as a junior and senior. McConvey was also a three-time recipient of the Jack Gregory Scholar-Athlete Award and a two-time recipient of the Dr. Ron Zwierlein Leadership Award.
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Notable Coach
Scott Paluch (2002-09): The first man to play for the Falcons and spend time as the head coach, Scott Paluch was a captain on the 1987-88 squad and coached the Orange and Brown from 2002-09. As captain, he led BGSU to 30 wins, a conference title, and a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals. The All-American finished his playing career with 169 points, ranking first among true defensemen and 18th among all BGSU players. After a brief stint in the IHL, Paluch returned to the Falcons in 1990 as an assistant coach. He departed for Boston College with Jerry York in 1994 but returned to his roots and filled Bowling Green's head coach vacancy in 2002.
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As the head coach of the Falcons, Paluch led the Orange and Brown to 88 wins, including 61 victories in CCHA play. In 2004-05, he led the Falcons to 13 conference wins and a fifth place finish in the CCHA. In 2007-08, BGSU won 18 games and played in the CCHA quarterfinals. Paluch mentored a Falcon to CCHA First Team All-Academic in each season he coached, including D'Arcy McConvey, who was Academic All-America Third Team in 2003-04. Paluch resigned from his position in 2009 to take a position as regional manager of USA Hockey's American Development Model. In 2013, he was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
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| Year | Overall Record, (CCHA Record) | Head Coach | Team Captain(s) |
| 1999-00 | 17-19-1, (12-15-1) | Buddy Powers | Doug Schueller (C), Adam Edinger (A), Michael Jones (A) |
| 2000-01 | 16-19-5, (8-15-5) | Buddy Powers | Doug Schueller (C), Louis Mass (A), Curtis Valentine (A), Greg Day (A) |
| 2001-02 | 9-25-6, (7-18-3) | Buddy Powers | Greg Day (C), Marc Barlow (A), Scott Hewson (A) |
| 2002-03 | 8-25-3, (5-20-3) | Scott Paluch | D'Arcy McConvey (C), Tyler Knight (A), Kevin Bieska (A) |
| 2003-04 | 11-18-9, (9-13-6) | Scott Paluch | D'Arcy McConvey (C), Kevin Bieska (A), Alex Rogosheske (A) |
| 2004-05 | 16-16-4, (13-12-3) | Scott Paluch | Ryan Minnabarriet (C), Alex Rogosheske (A), Jordan Sigalet (A) |
| 2005-06 | 13-23-2, (8-18-2) | Scott Paluch | Don Morrison |
| 2006-07 | 7-29-2, (5-22-1) | Scott Paluch | Michael Hodgson (C), Brandon Svendsen (A), Rich Meloche (A), Jonathan Matsumoto (A), John Mazzei (A) |
| 2007-08 | 18-21-0, (13-15-0) | Scott Paluch | Michael Hodgson (C), John Mazzei (C), Derek Whitmore (C) |
| 2008-09 | 11-24-3, (8-19-1) | Scott Paluch | Kyle Page (C), Brandon Svendsen (A), Kevin Schmidt (A) |
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