July 17, 2008

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (BGSUFalcons.com) - Two Bowling Green State University alumni have contributed the first gift toward the BGSU Ice Arena renovation project. Tom '83 and Doug Blakely '84 have pledged $250,000 for the project. The two are long-time fans and supporters of Falcon hockey.

"We believe in this project and in the future of the program and we hope that fans, community members, and former players will step forward and help make this project a reality," said Tom Blakely. "Our families have special memories of the teams, players, and coaches that skated in the arena and we are proud of the history and tradition associated with the BGSU Ice Arena and the Falcon hockey program.

"It's time to restore the rink and the program to the championship caliber of the '80s. We need to be the premier hockey program in the CCHA again, and the time for making it happen is now."

The Blakely's gift is the first toward the $8 million renovation of the BGSU Ice Arena.

"Tom and Doug are passionate about BGSU hockey," said BGSU Assistant Vice President/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Greg Christopher. "It shows in the stands with their support, and now it shows with their leadership on the renovation.

"The project continues to move forward. The University will select an architect shortly, and infrastructure work is still expected to be underway in the summer of 2009."

On the ice, the Falcons of head coach Scott Paluch finished with an overall record of 18-21-0 and a CCHA mark of 13-15-0. BGSU's total of 18 wins was the program's highest since the 1995-96 season. The '07-08 Falcons, after being picked for 12th (last) in the CCHA preseason polls, placed seventh in the regular-season standings, and won a first-round playoff series for the first time in seven years.

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