Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team opened their 2024-25 season with a narrow 2-1 loss to Bowling Green on Friday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Despite a strong defensive effort and a second-period goal from Boris Skalos, the Lakers were unable to overcome Bowling Green's early lead.
How It Happened:
Bowling Green got on the board first, with Jaden Grant finding the back of the net at 11:28 in the first period off assists from Breck McKinley and Maxwell Martin, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead. Mercyhurst generated several chances in the opening period but was held off by Bowling Green's goaltender Cole Moore, who recorded nine saves in the frame.
The Falcons doubled their lead early in the second period on the power play. Brody Waters scored at 5:07, assisted by Ryan O'Hara and Matvei Kabanov, making it 2-0.
Mercyhurst responded quickly, cutting the lead to 2-1 just three minutes later. Boris Skalos netted his first goal of the season at 8:30, assisted by Mickey Burns. The Lakers continued to pressure Bowling Green throughout the second and third periods, but Moore stood tall in net, finishing the game with 32 saves.
Despite outshooting the Falcons 12-5 in the third period and multiple power-play opportunities, Mercyhurst couldn't find the equalizer. The Lakers' goaltender Simon Bucheler made 25 saves in a solid performance, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Notable Performances:
Up Next:
The Lakers will look to bounce back tomorrow as they face Bowling Green again in the second game of the weekend series. Puck drop is set for 7:05 PM at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
