BLAINE, Minn. — University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1-1-0) defeated Bethel University (2-1-0), 2–0, behind a strong third-period performance. The Blugolds' goaltender recorded 35 saves to secure the shutout.
The first period between UW-Eau Claire and Bethel opened with the Blugolds winning the initial faceoff. Both teams exchanged shots early, with Bethel's Luke French and Joe Kelly testing UWEC's goalie,
Max Gutjahr, but failing to score. UW-Eau Claire had a power play opportunity at 17:26 after Bethel was penalized for too many players on the ice, but Bethel's penalty kill proved effective, as Marco Duronio made several saves to keep the game scoreless. Despite numerous shot attempts from both sides, including blocked efforts from UWEC's
Danny Reis and
Logan Ganz, the period concluded with neither team finding the back of the net.
The second period saw the Blugolds and Bethel locked in a defensive battle with neither team finding the net. UW-Eau Claire's
Leo Bacallao was penalized twice, once for cross-checking at 18:23 and later for boarding, putting Bethel on the power play for extended periods. Bethel generated several shots during these advantages, with Gutjahr making key saves to keep the score level. Despite two shots from
Easton Inglis and
Carter Green hitting the pipe late in the period, the Blugolds could not capitalize, and the frame ended scoreless.
UW-Eau Claire secured a decisive victory against Bethel with a strong third-period performance.
Tyler Herzberg opened the scoring just 14 seconds into the period, netting a goal with assists from Bacallao and
Kade Peterson. The Blugolds maintained pressure, outshooting Bethel and blocking multiple attempts. Inglis added an unassisted goal at 10:40 to extend the lead to 2-0. Goalie Gutjahr, supported by solid defensive efforts, preserved the shutout despite Bethel's late attempts, ensuring a 2-0 win for the visitors.
Tyler Herzberg scored once and secured the game-winning goal while winning 16 of 23 faceoffs with a 69% success rate. Inglis added a goal and contributed with four shots on target. Bacallao recorded an assist and tallied three shots, finishing with a plus-minus of plus-two. Gutjahr made 35 saves during the game, maintaining a perfect save percentage.
The Blugolds improved to 1-1-0 overall following their victory. Bethel fell to 2-1-0 overall after the loss.
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