STEVENS POINT, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire (6-4-1, 4-1-0) defeated UW-Stevens Point (4-5-1, 2-2-1), 6–3, at K.B. Willett Arena, with a strong third period that saw the team net three goals. The Blugolds' defense played a critical role, blocking 12 shots while the offense exploded for 6 goals
The first period began with UW-Stevens Point winning the initial faceoff, but UW-Eau Claire quickly gained momentum.
Trenten Heyde opened the scoring at 6:36 with an even-strength goal, assisted by
Danny Reis and
Luke Lavery. UWEC maintained their 1-0 lead despite UW-Stevens Point's attempts to equalize, as
Max Gutjahr made crucial saves, including a stop on Blake Norris at 7:30. Alex Proctor for UW-Stevens Point also faced multiple shots, keeping the score close as the period ended.
UW-Eau Claire extended its lead early in the second period when
Kade Peterson scored at 11:46 with assists from
Tyler Herzberg and
Andrew Hayek. Less than two minutes later,
Nolan Grier capitalized with an unassisted goal, pushing the lead to 3–0. UW-Stevens Point responded quickly, cutting the deficit to 3–1 with Cody Pisarczyk's unassisted goal at 9:00. Despite both teams exchanging numerous shots, the period concluded with the Blugolds holding a two-goal advantage.
UW-Stevens Point's Nico Chmelevski tied the game at 3–3 with a goal at 16:56, assisted by Michael Eftimovski and Alex Johnson. UW-Eau Claire responded when Grier scored the game-winning goal at 10:38 with an assist from Lavery, making it 4–3. Herzberg extended the lead to 5–3 at 3:40, assisted by Peterson and
Leo Bacallao. Peterson sealed the game with an unassisted empty-net goal at 1:50, concluding the period with the Blugolds leading 6–3.
Grier scored two goals, including the game-winner, and finished with a plus-minus of +3. Peterson added two goals and an assist, contributing significantly to the offensive tally.
Connor Thompson excelled in faceoffs, winning 68% of his draws. Gutjahr made 29 saves, allowing three goals in the net.
UWEC stands at 6-4-1 overall and 4-1-0 in conference play following their recent victory. Wis.-Stevens Point holds a 4-5-1 overall record, with a 2-2-1 mark in conference competition.
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