LAKE FOREST, IL - Down 1-0 entering the third period, the UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team scored two goals in the final period as the Blugolds defeated Lake Forest College 2-1 here tonight at Alumni Memorial Rink.

The win ended a two-game losing streak for the Blugolds. The win was the first Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) win since the 2004-05 season. The win also improves the Blugolds' road record to a perfect 2-0.

Trailing 1-0 with less than five minutes remaining left wing Jesse Vesel (So.-Hibbing, MN) scored the game's only power play goal assisted by Greg Petersen (So.-Maple Grove, MN/Totino-Grace) and Ben Hendrick (So.-Andover, MN/Anoka) to tie the game 1-1.

With less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation Mike Schneider (So.-Owatonna, MN) scored an even strength goal assisted by Kyle Garner (Sr.-Sun Prairie) and Sam Bauler (So.-Apple Valley, MN/Eastview) to pull out the win on the road.

The Blugolds outshot the Foresters 35-22 for the game, including holding a 25-15 advantage throughout the first two periods. The game was played relatively penalty-free as both teams had just four power play opportunities apiece with the Blugolds scoring the lone power play goal of the evening.

Goalie Ryan Mensing (So.-Langley, BC/Walnut Grove SS) stopped 21-of-22 shots faced on the evening to help the Blugolds improve to 5-3 on the season and 1-2 in NCHA action.

Up next the Blugolds travel to De Pere to take on the second-ranked Green Knights of St. Norbert. Face-off is set for 7:00 P.M.

Eau Claire-Lake Forest Box Score

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