MARQUETTE, Mich. - Ten goals were tallied in the season-opener vs. BGSU, but NMU was on the short side of a 6-4 loss to Bowling Green State to open the 2022-23 season. 

After a 1-1 first period, BG struck twice in the 2nd but NMU responded with a pair to make it 3-3 heading into the third period. Bowling Green claimed three of the four goals in the final period en route to a 6-4 victory. 

Mikey Colella scored twice, Andre Ghantous added three assists, and Joey Larson picked up two assists to start his career. 


How it Happened
It took nearly four minutes for the teams to each find a quality look at the net. Mikey Colella found himself open in front of the net for NMU's first shot on goal of the season. The Falcons broke out 2-on-1 right after, but Charlie Glockner was able to deflect it out of play. 

Reilly Funk got his first career goal 8:05 in for a 1-0 NMU lead. Funk was able to get a deflection on a Brett Willits shot and slide it into the net. Simon Kjellberg also added an apple. 

NMU had the first look at a power play with 6:47 to go in the opening period. Artem Shlaine dinged the crossbar, but the Falcons were able to keep the 'Cats at bay and kill it off.

BGSU tied it with 2:41 in the first. Taylor Schneider assisted on a Chase Gresock goal.

The Falcons jumped in front just 1:05 into the second period on a goal from Max Coyle. A few minutes later the Falcons converted on their first man-advantage from Ethan Scardina for a 3-1 edge over the 'Cats.

The Green and Gold pulled back within one halfway through the 2nd. Joey Larson found Andre Ghantous who relayed the puck to Artem Shlaine right in front for the tally. 

The 'Cats maintained the pressure and tied it up on the man-advantage from Mikey Colella. Ghantous added his second assist of the game while Josh Zinger also got an apple. 

Mikey Colella collected his 2nd of the game minutes into the third to make it three straight for NMU and a 4-3 lead. Ghantous and Larson assisted. BGSU was able to respond immediately to tie it 4-4 with 16:40 left in the 3rd period. 

The Falcons continued their third period surge, reclaiming the lead with 13:11 left in the closing frame. Austin Swankler went high over the goalie for an impressive goal. 

BGSU didn't look back and added another empty-net tally to take the contest 6-4. 


Postgame Notes
- Bowling Green led in shots on goal in the contest 30-28. 
- NMU converted 2-5 power plays while BGSU went 0-2. 
- Colella's two goals were the 20th and 21st of his career. 

Goal Summary
1st Period
8:05 - Reilly Funk (NMU, 1-0) - Assisted by Brett Willits and Simon Kjellberg
17:19 - Chase Gresock (BGSU, 1-1) - Assisted by Taylor Schneider

2nd Period
1:05 - Max Coyle (BGSU, 1-2) - Assisted by Spencer Schneider and Taylor Schneider
3:26 - Ethan Scardina (BGSU, 1-3) -  Assisted by Austin Swankler
9:29 - Artem Shlaine (NMU, 2-3) - Assisted by Andre Ghantous and Joey Larson
13:25 - Mikey Colella (NMU PP, 3-3) - Assisted by Andre Ghantous and Josh Zinger

3rd Period
2:43 - Mikey Colella (NMU PP, 4-3) - Assisted by Andre Ghantous and Joey Larson
3:20 - Ryan O'Hara (BGSU, 4-4) - Assisted by Jaden Grant
6:49 - Austin Swankler (BGSU, 4-5)
19:30 - Taylor Schneider (BGSU SH, 4-6) 


Up Next
The Wildcats finish off their season-opening series vs. the Falcons of Bowling Green tomorrow, October 2nd with puck drop at 6:07 p.m.