WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley returns from the semester break to host Union College at Bentley Arena on Dec. 30 at 5:30 PM. This will be the Falcons' first home game since Nov. 18 against Holy Cross, a span of 41 days.

It's Been A While

The Falcons were last in action Dec. 9 when they went toe-to-toe with No. 8 ranked Maine before ultimately falling short 3-2. They led 2-1 in the 3^rd period after two straight goals by Ryan Upson and Kellan Hjartarson. But Maine tied it 2-2 just 11 seconds after Hjartarson's goal, and the eventual winner was scored by Josh Nadeau with 4:11 remaining.

Falcons goalie Connor Hasley made 32 saves.

Top D

Bentley went into the break with a top-four defense nationally based on goals allowed per game. They've allowed just 2.17 goals per game through 18 contests so far. Only Wisconsin (1.72), Quinnipiac (1.94) and Clarkson (2.14) have been stingier.

Bentley has allowed three goals or more in just eight of 18 games. Of those eight games, two went to overtime. After the first two games of the season where BU scored three goals and Northeastern five, Bentley has allowed three goals or more in just six of the last 16 games.

The Falcons have also been putting down the clamps on opponents in terms of shots on goal allowed. They allow just 24.1 shots per game, 4^th best in the nation.

Strong Duo

Goaltenders Nicholas Grabko and Connor Hasley have been stout all season for the Falcons. A senior, Grabko is 8^th nationally in goals against average (2.02) and T-13^th in save percentage (.919). Hasley, a sophomore, is 20^th nationally in goals against average (2.34).

Series History

Saturday's game will be just the 4^th all-time meeting between Bentley and Union and the first hosted by Bentley. Union is 3-0 all-time, including a win last season in New York.

Up Next

The Falcons have a quick turnaround when they visit Army West Point on Jan. 2 in its first Atlantic Hockey games since Dec. 1-2 at Air Force. After playing Army, Bentley will prepare to host Air Force on Jan. 5-6.