EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire (2-2-1, 1-0-0) secured a decisive 4–0 victory over UW-Superior (3-2-1, 0-1-0) at home. The Blugolds' defense was impenetrable, allowing only 20 shots and achieving a shutout with 20 saves.
Within the first five minutes of the opening period,
Dayne Hoyord put UW-Eau Claire on the board with an even-strength goal at 15:34, assisted by
Max Ruoho. Both teams created numerous opportunities, with UW-Superior's Alexey Yarmulnik and UWEC's
Leo Bacallao hitting the pipe.
Max Gutjahr made several saves for the Blugolds, successfully defending against UW-Superior's power-play attempts. The period concluded with UW-Eau Claire maintaining a 1–0 lead.
In the second period, the Blugolds extended their lead with a goal by
Luke Lavery at 14:48, marking his first of the season. Despite consistent pressure from the home team, including multiple shots by Lavery and
Nolan Grier, UW-Superior's Jan Skorpik managed several key saves. The Yellowjackets were unable to capitalize on a power play opportunity midway through the period, as UW-Eau Claire's defense, bolstered by Gutjahr's goaltending, remained firm. The period concluded with UWEC maintaining a 2–0 advantage.
UW-Eau Claire secured a commanding victory in the third period against UW-Superior with two late goals. The period began with a penalty on
Kade Peterson, but the home team effectively killed the power play. At 3:32 remaining, Lavery scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Grier, extending the lead to 3–0. Shortly after, Grier capitalized on a power-play opportunity, netting his second goal of the season at 2:38, assisted by
Easton Inglis. The Blugolds maintained defensive stability, supported by several key saves from Gutjahr, to complete a 4–0 win.
Grier recorded two points, including a power-play goal, and posted a plus-minus of +2. Lavery scored twice on six shots, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Hoyord tallied the game-winning goal and finished with a +1 plus-minus. Gutjahr made 20 saves and allowed no goals in his start.
UWEC is 2-2-1 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play after their recent game. Wis.-Superior holds a 3-2-1 overall record and is 0-1-0 in conference competition following the loss.
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