Spezia pots a pair to pace #15 Falcons in 3-2 win over Lakers

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Three goals in the first period was enough for the 15th-ranked Falcons as they held off a late Lakers’ push for a 3-2 win Saturday.

Ryan Bednard started in net for the Falcons, stopping 17 of 19 shots faced. Mareks Mitens started for the Lakers and had four saves on six attempts before being pulled at 8:57 of the first period. He was replaced by Nick Kossof who had 26 stops on 27 opportunities in relief.

First Period

The Falcons struck first at 3:07 of the first period. Tyler Spezia fought off Hampus Erikkson in the far corner and skated onto the net. He sent a wrist shot high over Mitens’ blocker to net his seventh marker of the season. Brandon Kruse had the lone assist on the play.

Mitch McLain extended the Falcons’ lead to 2-0 at 8:57 of the first period. Brandon Kruse sent a centering pass to McLain in front of the crease. McLain attempted a shot that was saved by Mitens. But, McLain followed the rebound and netted his 13th goal of the season. Alec Rauhauser assisted on the power-play goal.

Mareks Mitens’ night in net ended after the Falcons’ second goal. His finished with six saves on eight shots faced in 8:57 of action.

Bowling Green capped their first period and game scoring at 18:11 of the first period. Kruse forced a turnover behind the Lakers’ net and McLain collected the puck. He sent a pass to Spezia just outside the crease and the senior forward buried the attempt for his eighth goal of the season and second of the game.

The Falcons finished the first period with 14 shots on net while the Lakers had six chances.

Second Period

Hampus Erikkson (10:25) and Gage Torrel (12:31) scored breakaway goals in the second period to draw the Lakers back to within one goal. Torrel’s goal was a shorthanded marker.

The Falcons finished the second period with 13 shots on net while the Lakers had seven chances in the middle frame.

Third Period

The Lakers pulled Kossof with just under a minute to play for an extra attacker, but the Falcons defense kept the Lakers off the board to seal the 3-2 win.

With the win, the Falcons move to 16-8-6, 13-4-5-2 on the season. The Lakers fall to 6-20-4, 4-15-3-0 on the season

Bowling Green will welcome Michigan Tech to the Slater Family Ice Arena next weekend.