7. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University

Key losses: Jordan Sigalet, G; Ryan Minnabarriet, F; Taylor Christie, D; Steve Brudzewski, F; Alex Rogosheske, F
Key Returnees: Jonathan Matsumoto, F; Alex Foster, F; Jonathan Sigalet, D; Brett Pilkington, F
Key Recruits: Jimmy Spratt, G; Todd McIlrath, F
Projected Leading Scorer: Jonathan Matsumoto

Grades:
Offense: C+
Defense: C+
Goaltending: C
Coaching: C+

Analysis:

Not only do the Falcons lose one of the best goalies in college hockey in Jordan Sigalet, but the losses of Minnabarriet, Brudzewski, and Rogosheske will force BGSU to give up their strangle hold on the title of “Worst team to call play-by-play for”.

Last year was a breakout year for Bowling Green. They hosted a first round playoff series for the first time in a long time, eventually losing to a hot Alaska-Fairbanks team. While Bowling Green has improved significantly over the past couple seasons, I think they will take a little step backwards next year. The main reason for this will be the loss of the heart and soul of their team in Jordan Sigalet. Jimmy Spratt will replace Sigalet next year and should be a very good starting goalie, but he won’t be able to match what Sigalet gave to Bowling Green.

Despite the loss of Sigalet, Bowling Green returns the majority of their most talented players. Last season, freshmen Jonathan Matsumoto and Alex Foster more than lived up to expectations by being the team’s top two leading scorers. They lose some depth on the lower lines, but with their underclassmen maturing, as well as bringing in Todd McIlrath, who should be able to contribute right away, Bowling Green should be fine on the offensive end.

Bowling Green also returns all six of their regular defenseman, which should make the transition for Jimmy Spratt a bit easier. Jonathan Sigalet is extremely underrated because of the team he plays for, but would be a top defenseman on most any team. Michael Hodgson will play a key role in running the powerplay.

Overall, Bowling Green has finally escaped doormat status and worked their way into the middle-class of the league. It may take another couple years for their top players to mature to seniors before they are competing with the top of the league though.