Bowling Green State University’s hockey program is set to welcome a nine‑player recruiting class for the 2026 season, a move that underscores the Falcons’ ambition to sustain the momentum they built in recent years.
A Balanced Mix of Forwards, Defenders and a Goaltender
The incoming group comprises three forwards, five defensemen and a single goaltender, each drawn from a distinct junior circuit. Their backgrounds span the QMJHL, OHL, WHL and BCHL, offering a blend of offensive flair, defensive reliability and net‑minding potential.
Among the newcomers, Thomas Verdon stands out as a premier offensive talent from the QMJHL, having posted 95 points in 64 games last season, while Matthew Soto brings speed and 208 career points from the OHL.
Teague Patton, a transfer from Mount Royal University with WHL experience, joins Peteris Bulans, a versatile defenseman from the same league, and Carson Campbell, an OHL standout known for clutch performances. Mazden Leslie adds playmaking skill from the WHL, Cooper Wilson contributes a physical edge from the BCHL, and Evan Bushy offers a two‑way presence from Lake Superior State.
Building on Recent Success
Coaching staff view the class as a strategic reinforcement that can translate immediate competitiveness into longer‑term development. The mix of transfers and freshmen is expected to fill gaps exposed in the previous campaign and to deepen depth across all lines.
Fans and alumni alike are already speculating about how these additions will shape the Falcons’ style of play, and the broader hockey community sees the recruitment as a signal of the program’s rising profile.