NCAA Hockey Bracket 2012, Boston College Vs. Air Force: Falcons Fall To No. 1 Eagles, 2-0

The Air Force Falcons put together another tough game against a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Hockey Tournament, but the Academy was unable to defeat the No. 1 overall seed Boston College Eagles on Saturday afternoon. Boston College's Chris Kreider was the star of the game, scoring both goals in the 2-0 game.

Kreider scored a little over seven minutes into the first period of the game and then netted the second goal on the power play late in the game. The Falcons had trouble trying to match the Eagles with shots on net, putting up just 20 on Parker Milner. Jason Torf, though, faced 34 shots and made 32 saves.

Boston College now waits for the winner between the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, last year's Frozen Four champions, and the Maine Black Bears. They play at 5:30 p.m. MT on Saturday. The Northeast Region final is set for Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. MT.

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NCAA Hockey Scores, Boston College Vs. Air Force: Falcons Still Trailing, 1-0, After Period 2

The Air Force Falcons are losing, 1-0, after two periods of play against the Boston College Eagles. Chris Kreider, a New York Rangers prospect, still has the game's only goal, which came in the first period.

The Falcons played a stronger second period, but that didn't help them put the puck on net more often against Parker Milner. The Falcons moved from eight shots on net to just 12 overall. Jason Torf, meanwhile, has stopped 19 of 20 shots

The Falcons went on the power play at 17:05 in the period, but, just like Boston College in the first period, was unable to convert on the man-advantage situation.

Boston College is a tough opponent to beat once they enter the third period with a victory, which might prove to be too much for the Air Force Falcons to overcome this Saturday afternoon.

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NCAA Hockey Scores, Boston College Vs. Air Force: Eagles Hold 1-0 Lead After Period 1

The Air Force Falcons have completed one period of play against the No. 1 overall seed Boston College Eagles, but they are down, 1-0. Chris Kreider scored the lone goal of the period at 7:39 on an even-strength series. Kevin Hayes and Destry Straight picked up assists on the score.

The Falcons had several decent chances to score a goal, but Parker Milner was able to turn away all eight shots he faced. Jason Torf made 8 of 9 saves during the period.

The Falcons will need to keep this game close since their offense won't be able to match the Eagles goal for goal. Air Force has a history of playing close, tough games against their NCAA Tournament opponents and has forced overtime in several of their contests over the last six years. Could this be the year they pull off an upset?

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NCAA Hockey Tournament 2012, Boston College Vs. Air Force: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The state of Colorado has one last remaining hope in the 2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament after the Colorado College Tigers failed to qualify and the Denver Pioneers lost in the opening round to the Ferris St. Bulldogs, 2-1, on Friday afternoon: the No. 16 overall seed Air Force Falcons.

The Falcons made the tournament after capturing the Atlantic Hockey Association tournament title and its automatic bid, but all that gave them was the lowest seed in the tournament and an opening round game against the No. 1 overall seed Boston College Eagles. The Falcons are no stranger to playing as a No. 4 seed in their section. In 2009, the Falcons upset the No. 4 overall seed Michigan Wolverines and in 2011 the Falcons nearly beat the No. 1 overall seed Yale Bulldogs.

When watching this game, look out for the Falcons' Tim Kirby, a 2012 Hobey Baker Award finalist and a 28-point player. Kyle De Laurell leads the team with 38 points (15 goals) while John Kruse has the team-lead in goals with 16. Jason Torf and his 1.72 GAA will be in net.

The Eagles offer a top-notch offense that has six players with 30 or more points. Chris Kreider leads them all with 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) while Barry Almeida has a team-high 22 goals. Goalie Parker Milner enters the game with a 1.82 GAA and a .931 save percentage.

Game time/date: 2:00 p.m. MT, Saturday, March 24, 2012

Location: DCU Center, Worcester, Mass.

TV: ESPNU

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NCAA Hockey Bracket 2012, Ferris State Vs. Denver: Pioneers Eliminated In 2-1 Loss To Bulldogs

The No. 3 seed Denver Pioneers are one and done in the 2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament following its 2-1 loss to the No. 2 Ferris St. Bulldogs on Friday evening. The Bulldogs await the winner of Friday night's game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Cornell Big Red.

Ferris State held a 1-0 lead heading into the third period and then made a cushion for itself at just 2:54 into the final frame. Simon Denis picked up his first career goal for Ferris State on that play. Denver finally got on the board at 5:22 in the period when Drew Shore scored on a backhander with assists to Luke Salazar and John Ryder.

Sam Brittain made 32 saves on 34 shots for the Pioneers, but Ferris State's Taylor Nelson stopped 25 of 26 shots to best Denver's sophomore goalie.

The Pioneers will now wait to see if any of its players will turn pro. Jason Zucker is widely expected to sign with the Minnesota Wild while Drew Shore could sign with the Florida Panthers.

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NCAA Hockey Scores, Ferris State Vs. Denver: Bulldogs Take 1-0 Lead Into 3rd Period

The Denver Pioneers are skating toward elimination in the 2012 NCAA Tournament if they can't figure out the Ferris St. Bulldogs. After two periods of play, the Pioneers find themselves in a 1-0 hole.

Jordie Johnston put the Bulldogs on the board at 4:30 in the second period when he connected on a puck from Garrett Thompson. The Pioneers weren't able to match the Bulldogs goal for goal, but they did pick up their shots on net, tying Ferris State at 18 each.

The Pioneers had several strong chances to score late in the period, but Taylor Nelson has been a brick wall. Jason Zucker tried to stuff the puck past Nelson late in the period, but review confirmed the call that it didn't cross the line.

Both teams continue to struggle on the power play. Ferris State has failed to do anything on its three chances while the Pioneers are 0-for-4.

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NCAA Hockey Scores, Ferris State Vs. Denver: Bulldogs, Pioneers Locked In 0-0 Struggle

The Denver Pioneers 2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament session is underway on Friday afternoon, but they have plenty of work ahead if they want to defeat the Ferris St. Bulldogs. The Pioneers got off to a slow start by having a tough time shooting the puck. The Bulldogs early on had an 11-2 shot advantage, but by the time the buzzer went off the Pioneers were down in the shot column by just three, 11-8.

Sam Brittain has started in net for the Pioneers while Jason Zucker, who was questionable for the game, has been on the ice for the team. Taylor Nelson has made all eight saves for the Bulldogs.

Ferris State is 0-for-1 on the power play, but the Pioneers were unable to take advantage of their two man-up situations, either. Those penalties were called for hooking and interference (twice).

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NCAA Hockey Tournament 2012, Ferris State Vs. Denver: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Denver Pioneers are set to begin the 2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament Friday, March 23rd at 3:30 p.m. in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The No.3 seeded Pioneers will face the No. 2 seeded Ferris State Bulldogs. The winner of the Pioneers - Bulldogs match-up will take on the winner of the Michigan - Cornell game at 7 p.m. on Saturday for the opportunity to head to Tampa Bay, Florida for a spot in the Frozen Four.

Ferris State compiled a 23-11-5 record in the 2011-12 season and are making just their third NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bulldogs won the CCHA regular-season championship in large part because of a 15-game unbeaten streak from January 6 through February 24. They were knocked out of the conference tournament in a three game series loss to Western Michigan. Ferris State is lead by senior forward Jordie Johnson, who paces the team in scoring with 18 goals and 15 assists. Goalies Taylor Nelson and freshman C.J. Motte split duties between the pipes. the Pioneers and Bulldogs have faced each other only one time previously with Ferris State getting the win.

Today's game will be televised on Altitude and ESPN3 and broadcast live on 102.3 in Denver. Puck drops at 3:30 MT.

NCAA Hockey Tournament 2012: Air Force Falcons Aim For Upset Of No. 1 Boston College

The Air Force Falcons enter the 2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament with Hobey Baker Award finalist Tim Kirby and the automatic bid from the Atlantic Hockey Association with them. The Falcons are no strangers to the postseason, making it every year since 2007 except for 2010.

The Falcons went 21-10-7 (15-6-6 AHA) for its fifth NCAA appearance in the last six years. Kirby, a defenseman, scored 12 goals and totaled 28 points, tying him for third-place in points on the team. Kyle DeLaurell scored 15 goals and tallied 38 points to lead the team. John Kruse led the team with 16 goals.

Goalie play has been strong throughout the season, but the team was not without its injuries. Jason Torf was lost for several weeks during the start of the season, but he played in 18 games and finished pre-NCAA Tournament play with a 1.72 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Stephen Caple proved more than capable as the starter, posting a 2.16 GAA in 23 games.

The Falcons' NCAA Hockey Tournament history has had its share of thrilling moments. Normally taking one of the lowest overall seeds in the tournament, the Falcons have played tough in those games. In 2007, the No. 1 overall seed Minnesota Gophers won, 4-3; 2008 witnessed the Falcons lose in overtime, 3-2, to the No. 2 overall Miami RedHawks; 2009 experienced the Falcons upsetting the No. 4 overall seed Michigan Wolverines before losing in double overtime, 3-2, to Vermont in the next round; and in 2011, the Falcons lost to the No. 1 overall seed Yale Bulldogs in overtime, 2-1.

The Falcons and the No. 1 overall seed Boston College Eagles drop the puck on Saturday afternoon.

NCAA Hockey Tournament 2012: Denver Pioneers Ready For Another Shot At Title

The Denver Pioneers play in their 23rd NCAA Hockey Tournament on Friday afternoon when they take on the Ferris State Bulldogs in an opening round contest in Green Bay, WI. In the Midwest Region, the Pioneers drew a No. 3 seed while Bulldogs are a No. 2 seed.

The Pioneers lost in the second round of the 2011 NCAA Hockey Tournament, but things looked good for the coming 2011-2012 season. That is, until goalie Sam Brittain needed surgery on his knee, which sidelined him until early 2012. But the Pioneers had better news over the summer when they and other schools formed the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which will begin play in 2013. That left the Pioneers with two years in the Western College Hockey Association.

The team enters the tournament with a 25-13-4 record and a second-place finish in the WCHA. The team had to sweat it out until the Final Five portion of the WCHA playoffs to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but they reached 11th place in the PairWise rankings to receive an at-large bid. The North Dakota Fighting Sioux defeated the Pioneers in the WCHA Tournament championship game for the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The team is led by future Minnesota Wild player Jason Zucker (22 G, 46 points) and Drew Shore (21 G, 52 points). Freshmen Joe LaLeggia (38 points) and Ty Loney (21 points) have also had their stretches of impact games with the Pioneers this season.

Juho Olkinuora has played in 22 games (19 starts), posting a 2.19 GAA. However, he has rotated in and out of the starting lineup with Sam Brittain (11 G, 2.39 ERA) and Adam Murray (14 G, 2.98 GAA).

Head over to Western College Hockey Blog for more WCHA news and notes.

NCAA Hockey Bracket 2012: Air Force To Face No. 1 Boston College; No. 3 Denver Takes On Ferris State

The 2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament bracket has been announced, and, as expected, the Air Force Falcons and the Denver Pioneers received lows seeds, the former a No. 4 seed and the latter a No. 3 seed. The Falcons are in the Northeast region and the Pioneers in the Midwest.

The Falcons play the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, the Boston College Eagles on Saturday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. MT in Worcester, MA. The game can be seen on ESPNU and ESPN3.com. Should the Falcons pull off the impossible (and they've done it or come close to it in previous season), they will face either defending champion Minnesota-Duluth or Maine.

The Pioneers drew the No. 2 Ferris State Bulldogs on Friday, March 23, at 3:30 p.m. MT. The game can be seen live in Green Bay, WI, or on ESPN3.com. The winner then plays either No. 1 (No. 2 overall) Michigan or No. 4 Cornell.

Here is the complete bracket (click to enlarge):

Head over to Western College Hockey Blog for more WCHA news and notes.

2012 NCAA Hockey Tournament Selection Show: Air Force, Denver Pioneers Wait For Bracket Announcement On Sunday

The Denver Pioneers and the Air Force Falcons are looking at a No. 3 seed and a No. 4 seed, respectively, in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.