Dop backstops Falcons in 2-1 OT win over #14 Broncos

Kalamazoo, MI – Falcon goaltender Eric Dop stopped 57 of 59 shots this weekend including a 36-save masterpiece Saturday night. His effort and an overtime winner by Cam Wright earned the Falcons the 2-1 win and weekend sweep over #14 Western Michigan.

Eric Dop’s 36 saves on 37 attempts earned him the win in net. Brandon Bussi stymied 22 of 24 shots faced for the Broncos in a losing effort.

First Period

The Falcons’ penalty kill was challenged frequently in the first period as they killed off four Bronco man-advantage chances.

Western Michigan had 14 shots in the opening period while Bowling Green had 10 attempts.

Second Period

The Broncos opened the game’s scoring at 1:01 of the second period. Paul Washe found Dawson DiPietro in front of the crease, converting on his chance to give Western Michigan the 1-0 lead.

The Falcons responded at 9:59 of the second period. Alec Rauhauser corraled the puck at the blue line, making a move to ditch his defender. He picked a spot, beating Bussi for his second goal of the season. Tim Theocharidis and Connor Ford assisted on the scoring play to tie the game at 1-1.

The Broncos finished the second period with 16 shots on net while the Falcons had nine chances.

Third Period

Neither team found the net in the third period as defensive play ratcheted up for both teams. The game then went to an overtime period.

Western Michigan had seven shots in the third period while Bowling Green had four chances.

Overtime Period

It took Cam Wright just 11 seconds to give the Falcons the 2-1 win and weekend sweep. After carrying the puck into the zone Wright shot high, beating Bussi over his shoulder for his fifth goal of the season. It was the lone shot in the sudden death period.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 3-2-0 on the season while the Broncos fall to 1-2-1.

Bowling Green returns home next weekend to welcome Michigan Tech in the Falcons’ first WCHA action of the season.