More BGSU hockey players skate away

BOWLING GREEN, OH - The departure of players from Bowling Green’s hockey program continues.

Sophomore forwards David Solway and Patrick Tiesling, and freshman defenseman Nick Bailen have asked for and been granted their releases from the program, Falcon coach Scott Paluch said Tuesday.

The three are eligible to transfer, but Paluch said they would not be allowed to transfer to another school in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Four Falcons have left the program since Monday, April 6th.

The fourth is sophomore forward Dan Sexton, who signed a two-year contract Monday with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.

Paluch said the decision of Solway, Tiesling and Bailen to leave was “based on our situation.”

Paluch learned of Solway’s decision Monday, and Bailen’s and Tiesling’s choice Tuesday morning.

Sexton said his decision was based on the chance to turn pro.

The elimination of the Falcon program is being considered to help the university and the athletics department deal with a budget deficit. University president Dr. Carol Cartwright has guaranteed the existence of the program only through next season.

"That’s definitely one of the biggest factors," Solway said. "As a player, you like to have guarantees going forward. I’m not 100 percent confident with that situation."

Bailen and Tiesling declined comment.

The school is facing a deficit of $6 million to $10 million in its next budget, while the athletics department is trying to cut approximately $500,000 to $1 million from its budget for next year.

BG has finished last in the CCHA in three of the last four seasons, including records of 11-24-3 overall and 8-19-1-0 in the league this season.

"All three players expressed the uncertainty of the program beyond the 2009-10 season," said Paluch, who is entering the final year of his contract. “What they’re going through is a difficult situation as they try to weigh the situation of our program and what’s best in their own situation.”

Paluch said he didn’t think the departure of Solway, Bailen and Tiesling was caused by Sexton’s decision to leave. Solway said his decision to leave was not based on Sexton leaving.

"My decision was totally separate," Solway said.

Solway said his leaving is not the result of any problems or a bad relationship with Paluch.

"Absolutely not. I have a good relationship with him, no problems whatsoever," Solway said. "He’s been good to me and given me a great opportunity here."

If the three transfer immediately, they’ll have to sit out next season and won’t be eligible to play again until the 2010-11 season. If the three transfer after the BG program is eliminated, they would be eligible immediately at their new school.

"I have no idea where I’m going to end up," Solway said. "I’m not going to rush into anything. I’m going to take a week or so to clear my mind and then I’ll start seeing what my options are."

Solway and Sexton, also a sophomore, joined senior Brandon Svendsen on one of college hockey’s best lines this season. The three combined for 41 of BG’s 89 goals and 52 of its 136 assists, and they also skated on the power-play and penalty-killing units.

Sexton led BG with 17 goals, 22 assists and 39 points. Solway had 12 goals and 12 assists.

Bailen was one of BG’s best defensemen, also seeing action on both special teams. He had six goals and 10 assists in 37 games.

Tiesling was a key role player. He had just six assists in 38 games, but was solid defensively and an effective penalty-killer. He also was a high-energy, physical player on a line with Josh Boyd and Tommy Dee.

The departures leave the Falcons with just 10 forwards, three defensemen and two goalies. The loss of the four players gives the Falcons "roughly four more" scholarships for next season, Paluch said.

Eight players have left the program since November, although freshman defenseman Dean Petiot left to return home to Daysland, Alberta after the death of his father.

Also gone are sophomore forward Jacob Cepis, and senior defensemen Tim Maxwell and Russ Sinkewich. They all left for what were termed "personal reasons."

"Obviously, it’s a very difficult situation for us," Paluch said.

BG already has four signed recruits for next season — defensemen Ian Ruel (Omaha/United States (Junior Hockey League) and Robert Shea (Green Bay/USHL, and forwards Jordan Samuels-Thomas (Waterloo/USHL) and Marc Rodriguez (Sioux Falls/USHL).

Also defensemen Max Grover (Sioux Falls (USHL) and forward Nathan Pageau (Hamilton/Ontario Junior Hockey League) are expected to sign with the Falcons this week and join the program in the fall.

Two other players, goalie Andrew Hammond (Vernon/British Columbia Junior Hockey League) and defenseman Reed Rushing (Marquette/North American (Junior) Hockey League), are expected to join BG next season as well.

( The Sentinel-Tribune is a FOXToledo.com media partner)