EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire (7-4-1, 5-1-0) defeated UW-Stevens Point (4-6-1, 2-3-1), 3–2, at home, scoring all three goals in the third period, securing the win after a scoreless first two periods.
The first period began with UW-Stevens Point gaining possession early and translating it into an advantage. At 2:55, Bennett Koupal scored the sole goal of the period, assisted by Gabe Randel and Turner Richards, giving the Pointers a 1–0 lead. The Blugolds had opportunities to level the score, including power plays at 11:00 and 2:38, but Alex Proctor made critical saves to maintain UW-Stevens Point's lead. Despite multiple shots and blocked attempts by UW-Eau Claire, they were unable to find the back of the net before the period concluded.
The second period featured defensive resilience from both teams, leading to a scoreless 20 minutes. UWEC's
Max Gutjahr remained steady in goal, denying multiple attempts from UW-Stevens Point, including key saves at 18:42 and 18:55. Despite power play opportunities for both sides, neither team capitalized. Alex Proctor of UW-Stevens Point matched Gutjahr's efforts, turning aside numerous shots, including a pair of chances from
Leo Bacallao. The period concluded with UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stevens Point right where they ended the first with the Pointers up 1-0
Luke Lavery knotted the game up early in the third period with an unassisted goal just 16 seconds in.
Dayne Hoyord gave the team the lead at 2:44, assisted by
Logan Ganz and
Max Dronen.
Leo Bacallao netted the eventual game-winner at 4:03, with
Carter Bradley providing the assist. UW-Stevens Point's Sean Bunting narrowed the gap to 3–2 at 16:53 with a power-play goal, but the Blugolds held on for the victory.
Bacallao scored one goal on six shots, securing the game-winning goal. Lavery added one goal, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Hoyord recorded one goal and achieved a perfect faceoff percentage, winning both of his attempts. Gutjahr made 23 saves while allowing two goals, anchoring the team's defensive performance.
UW-Eau Claire improved to 7-4-1 overall and 5-1-0 in conference play after their victory. Wis.-Stevens Point moved to 4-6-1 overall and 2-3-1 in conference competition following the narrow defeat.
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