Bowling Green Hockey scores twice in the final six minutes and sweeps the Tommies

BG Hockey defeated the St. Thomas Tommies 3-2 at Slater Family Ice Arena last night.

Much like the night before, the first half of the first period was an emotional process between the two teams. However, that would change when St. Thomas’ Andrew Kangas found rookie Cooper Gay in net, giving the Tommies a 1-0 lead.

Less than a minute later, STU freshman defender Braiden Simmons-Fischer would be sent to the box for a five-minute high-sticking major penalty. On the long powerplay, the Falcons would cash in. Senior Zach Vinnell fired a puck from the blue line, and fellow senior Nathan Burke would be there to tie the game with a redirect goal, making it 1-1.

Both goalies held firm for the rest of the first quarter. Both goalkeepers played a fantastic series against each other, and it didn’t show any better than in the first half.

About four minutes into the second period, St. Thomas regained the lead after winning a face-off in the BG defensive zone, and the puck found Simmons-Fischer. With that puck on the blue line, he fired a long shot, beating Christian Stoever and making it 2-1 STU.

The Falcons looked set to get excited until, about five minutes from time, Miami transfer Chase Gresock stole a puck in the offensive zone and passed it to Ethan Scardina, who would score on the his fourth game in a row, tying the game at two. .

The Falcons wouldn’t have finished in the third, as Austen Swankler broke St. Thomas’ heart with 17 seconds left. Senior Hunter Lellig’s blue line missile would be saved and the rebound would find Swankler’s stick, winning the game 3-2.

Stoever once again put on a stellar performance between the posts, saving 23 of 25 shots, his fewest shots against all season. He stole many chances at STU, keeping the Falcons in the win column for their third straight game.

Endgame hero Austen Swankler said only one thing crossed his mind during this game: throwing the puck.

“Yeah, shoot it right away, I knew the keeper was out of position after giving up that rebound so my first thought was to put him on the net and hopefully he comes in,” said Swankler.

The Orange and Brown remain tied for first place in the CCHA, as those six points were huge for the hot Falcons, who are on a three-game winning streak. They’re looking to extend that winning streak and stay in first place as they travel to Ferris State to play a two-game game against the Bulldogs on Nov. 18-19.

For more information on the team, visit bgsufalcons.com.