EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Finishing up its non-conference schedule for the season, the UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team fell short in a 4-3 loss to Hamline University at Hobbs Ice Center tonight.

Eau Claire falls to 7-10-0 on the season, while the Hamline Pipers improve to 7-4-2. Prior to tonight's game, the Blugolds had only lost to the Pipers once since 1987.

The Blugolds and the Pipers were neck-in-neck for half of the game before Hamline took a lead it would not give up. Hamline's Dustin Fulton scored first tonight at 5:21, but the Blugolds would answer less than 10 minutes later. Greg Petersen (Jr.-Maple Grove, Minn./Totino-Grace) picked up his third goal of the season on an assists from John Kearns (Fr.-Park Ridge, Ill.) and Andrew Johnson (Jr.-Andover, Minn./Anoka). Thirty seconds later, Fulton would pick up another goal and Hamline took a 2-1 lead into the locker room.

Less than one minute into the second, Johnson would find the net to tie things up. Eight minutes later, Hamline scored their third goal of the game to again take the lead, and about three minutes later, Joe Long scored the Pipers' game-winner on a power play. Petersen was able to bring the Blugolds to within one goal, scoring at 19:38, but the Pipers were able to hold on for the victory.

Tyler Brigl (So.-Eagan, Minn.) played the entire night in the net for the Blugolds and saved 24 shots. Brigl has now allowed 42 goals on the season and has a .887 save percentage.

Despite the loss, Eau Claire was able to put more shots on target than its opponent. The Blugolds put 42 on goal compared to Hamline's 24.

Eau Claire will look to get back on track next Friday when they travel to UW-Stevens Point for a 7:30 p.m. Northern Collegiate Hockey Association matchup.

Eau Claire-Hamline

- KM -