Nick Eno is back on track.
Bowling Green’s junior goalie is playing well again after an injury-plagued sophomore season.
He has a 3.24 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage in eight games, including a 2.79
goals-against and a .911 save mark in his last six games.
Eno figures to be in goal again tonight at 13th-ranked Notre Dame when BG opens a Central Collegiate
Hockey Association series.
The Falcons are 2-9-1 overall and 2-5-1-1 in the CCHA, but have split their last two series against No. 9
Alaska and No. 16 Michigan. Eno was in goal for all four games.
“He’s making saves look easy,” BG coach Dennis Williams said. “He’s giving us a chance to win and that’s
what you ask of your goalie. He’s stopping the ones you expect him to stop and he’s making some big
saves.”
Eno suffered a sprained ankle in training camp last season and didn’t return until Jan. 9. Once he
returned, he struggled with a 4.58 goals-against and an .805 save percentage in eight games.
A save percentage is like a baseball player’s batting average. If a goalie stops nine out of 10 shots,
his save percentage is .900. A save percentage of .910 or better is almost a must, but .900 or better is
acceptable.
“I’m feeling pretty confident right now,” Eno said. “The teams to be playing pretty well in front, so I’m
able to see a lot of the shots and that always helps.”
Eno was named to the CCHA’s all-rookie team as a freshman, posting a 2.79 goals-against and a .905 save
mark in 23 games.
“I’m quicker and stronger, more aggressive and challenging guys, and I’m better at finding the puck in
traffic,” Eno said.
HOT STICK: BG junior forward David Solway has three goals and three assists in his last four games.
He had 12 goals and 12 assists last season, but injured his shoulder Oct. 3 and missed the first two
games. He then had just one assist in his first six games.
In addition to being one of the team’s best offensive and defensive players, he plays on all of the
special teams, blocks shots and is adept at agitating opponents.
“He keeps going hard and never stops. He’s a warrior,” Williams said. “He loves to be out there. He’s
full of heart and passion. He wants to win games and contribute.”
IRISH: ND, second in the coaches preseason poll, is off to a tough start at 6-5-3, 3-2-3-2. The Fighting
Irish snapped a four-game winless streak Sunday with a 4-1 win over No. 8 Michigan State.
“They’re very systematic and very disciplined in their play and their emotions,” Williams said. “They
keep the 7.8 rebounds per games and has five blocks on the season.
Senior guard Ricky Franklin (6-1) is averaging 13.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and a team-high 3.8 assists per game.
The Panthers are averaging 74 points per game. BG has averaged 56.7 ppg on offense and is allowing 71.3
ppg.
UWM is a member of the Horizon League, which includes schools such as Butler, Cleveland State, and
Valparaiso.
FREE THROWS: Incredibly, BG has attempted a total of 27 free throws in its three games and has made only
13 (48.1 percent).
“That’s a sign of not being fundamentally sound,” said Orr of the lack of free throw attempts. “You’re
not taking it to the basket and you’re not being fundamental … And you’re not playing, to me, physical
basketball.”
Freshman Danny McElroy leads BG with six free throw attempts, having made two.
NO GO-TO GUY: BG sophomore forward Scott Thomas leads the team in scoring at 11.0 per game and rebounding
at 5.3 per game. Senior center Otis Polk is in double-figures with 10.0 ppg game and is second with 4.0
rpg.
Fellow senior post Marc Larson has improved his game from last season, averaging 9.3 points per game.
Yet, the Falcons are missing a true go-to guy on offense like they had last year in Nate Miller.
“We have to do it as a body,” Orr said. “We have to do it by executing and spacing and running our
offense and making smart plays.”
NEXT: Saturday’s game will be the first of three straight home games for the Falcons. BG hosts Florida
International, coached by Isiah Thomas, on Monday; and Savannah State on Thursday.