Falcons can’t solve Hafner, Broncos in 1-0 loss

Toledo, OH – The Falcons hoped to split the season series with Western Michigan at the Huntington Center Wednesday. But, excellent goaltending from Toledo native Lukas Hafner shackled the Falcon offense in a 1-0 shutout. The game drew 2,543 fans for the second annual Winterfest put on by the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.

Chris Nell started in net for the Falcons, but left the game early in the second period due to a possible head injury. Nell stopped all nine shots he faced. Tommy Burke replaced Nell and made 13 saves on 14 shots in relief. Lukas Hafner got the start for the Broncos and made 35 saves in the shutout.

First Period

The Falcons didn’t have a great start as the Broncos carried play for the first half of the period. But, the Falcons eventually got their bearings and finished the period with numerous scoring chances.

Neither team was able to find the net in the first period as both goalies stopped all eight shots they faced in the opening frame.

Second Period

Chris Nell left the game at 2:09 of the second period as Frederik Tiffels skate caught Nell in the head. Tommy Burke came in to replace Nell.

The Broncos broke the stalemate at 15:21 of the second period. Nolan Laporte collected a rebound that had trickled behind Burke . Laporte wristed a shot that deflected off of Burke and found the net.

The Falcons finished the second period with 11 shots on Hafner, all of them saved. The Broncos had 15 shots in the period as Chris Nell stopped the only shot he faced. Burke stopped 13 of 14 shots faced in the period.

Third Period

The Falcons had an opportunity to get the equalizing goal as they had a five-on-three power play for :30 at 10:26. But, excellent shot blocking by the Broncos negated the attempt.

Bowling Green pulled Burke with less than two minutes to play for an extra attacker. But, the Falcons weren’t able to solve Hafner and fell 1-0.

The Falcons dominated the Broncos in shots in the third period 16-1. All shots were saved.

With the loss the Falcons drop to 11-4-5 on the season. The Broncos move to 7-10-1. Bowling Green will welcome Clarkson to the BGSU Ice Arena this Saturday and Sunday for a series of game.