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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