This year’s Bulldog team ends their sea­son as one of two teams who lasted until the NCAA Division I title game. Though the Bulldogs will have to set­tle as runner-ups.

The Bulldogs were defeated by Boston College 4–1 April 7 in Tampa.

“I can hon­estly say I can look at each player in that room and know that no one left any­thing on the table,” said FSU senior goal­tender Taylor Nelson.

Boston College opened the scor­ing only 3:18 into the first period. But the Bulldogs responded 5:19 into the first off a goal scored by sopho­more for­ward Garrett Thompson. Sophomore for­ward Andy Huff and junior for­ward Travis Ouellette picked up the helpers on the play.

The Eagles took a 2–1 lead 10:33 into the first period off a power play goal.

Despite the Bulldogs out shoot­ing the Eagles 15–14 in the sec­ond period, the score remained 2–1 until late in the third period.

Boston College scored their third goal 16:58 into the third period, increas­ing their lead to 3–1. Ferris emp­tied their net for an extra man though Boston College net­ted a long shot on the empty net to increase their lead to 4–1.

Ferris was unable to con­vert on four power play chances. The Bulldogs were out­shot 37–28.

“We def­i­nitely didn’t take advan­tage of the power plays. In any game, that’s going to kill you. And it was at a cru­cial time in the game, too,” said senior for­ward Jordie Johnston. “Probably would have changed the out­come quite a bit.”

The Bulldogs fin­ished their sea­son 26−12−5, which included a CCHA reg­u­lar sea­son cham­pi­onship, Midwest Regional crown, and national runner-up laurels.

“What a year. What a year we’ve had,” said Nelson. “All sea­son long, we sac­ri­ficed for one another. We bled for one another. And as far as what it means to the pro­gram, I think in our minds, it’s made history.”

Nelson made 33 saves in the game for the Bulldogs and fin­ished the year with a 21−7−3 record.

“Nelly played unreal. He has all year for us. He’s always found a way to make a big save at a big time to spark us,” said Johnston. “Tonight we just didn’t pay him back by going down and putting one in the other end. But, you know, that happens.”

Bulldog senior defense­man Chad Billins and junior for­ward Kyle Bonis were placed on the 2012 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.

This was the first ever title game for the Bulldogs men’s hockey pro­gram and only their sec­ond NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Bulldogs will fly back to Grand Rapids and then arrive in Big Rapids by bus between 3 and 3:30 April 8. Fans are encour­aged to wel­come the Bulldogs home at the Ewigleben Ice Arena.

Photos by Brock Copus | Multimedia Editor

Related Posts

1. Bulldog Nation
2. Memorable Season for the Bulldogs
3. On the Other Side
4. Bulldog Hockey Season Preview (Goaltenders)
5. FSU Students Remember Demia Davis