NORTHFIELD, Minn. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team opened the 2014-15 season with a 3-0 shutout victory over St. Olaf College here tonight at Northfield Ice Arena.

Box Score | Coach Loen Video

With the win Eau Claire has a 1-0-0 record while St. Olaf falls to 0-3-0.  The victory marks the second-straight win by the Blugolds over the Oles.  The Blugolds own a 15-9-2 advantage all-time versus the Oles.  The game marked the first time Eau Claire has ever shutout the Oles.

After a scoreless first period forward Adam Knochenmus (So.-Roseau, MN) scored the game's first goal assisted by defenseman Joe Schmitz (Jr.-Lino Lakes, MN/Centennial) giving the Blugolds a 1-0 lead.  With just 18 second left in the second period forward Brandon Wahlin (So.-St. Paul, MN/White Bear Lake) scored at 19:42 assisted by forward Ross Andersen (Sr.-River Falls, WI) extending the Eau Claire lead to 2-0.

Half way through the third period forward Ethan Nauman (Jr.-Mosinee, WI) scored an unassisted goal giving the Blugolds a 3-0 lead.

Goalie Tyler Green (Jr.-Noblesville, IN) saved all 32 shots faced on the evening.  It was Green's first shutout since blanking UW-Superior 3-0 on February 7, 2014.

Eau Claire outshot St. Olaf 34-32.  The Oles were whistled for five penalties compared to three by the Blugolds.

The Blugolds will have Saturday off before returning to the ice on Sunday, November 9 when they face St. John's University.  The game will take place at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota starting at 2 p.m.

-KCM-