LAKE FOREST, IL - The UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team fought a tough battle against the Lake Forest Foresters tonight, but fell 3-2 when it could not score after Lake Forest's even-strength third period goal.

This loss brings the Blugolds down to 0-11-1 in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) while Lake Forest improves to 6-6-0 in NCHA contests. Eau Claire also is 2-18-3 overall while the Foresters stand at 12-11-0.

Sam Bauler (Fr.-Apple Valley, MN/Eastview) gave Eau Claire the early lead with Dan Fina (Fr.-Fontana/Glenbard South, IL) assisting at 6:05 in the second on an even-sided goal. Lake Forest made use of its power plays and put two advantage goals into the net before the second break to take the lead.

A 2-2 tie occurred just before the seven minute mark in the final period when Ben Bosworth (Fr.-Hudson) cashed in a pass from Mike Schneider (Fr.-Owatonna, MN) on a power-play. However, the Foresters put in what turned out to be the winning goal at 11:22 on an evenhanded strike, as Eau Claire could not find the back of the net from there on out.

Before he was pulled for the extra attacker with one minute left, Steffan Braunlich (Sr.-Los Angeles, CA/Loyola) made 30 saves tonight.

Each team was even in penalties (7), penalty minutes (14) and in power plays (5). Eau Claire converted one while the opponents made good on two. Lake Forest put 33 shots on goal and the Blugolds had 26.

The team wraps up its season next weekend when it faces UW-Stevens Point twice. Friday's game is in Hobbs Ice Center at 7:00 p.m. while Saturday's game is in Stevens Point at 7:30 p.m.

Eau Claire-Lake Forest Box Score

- PH -