EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (11-5-1) edged Hamline University (3-11-2), 4–3, at Hobbs Ice Center, with the decisive goal coming in the overtime. The Blugolds outshot Hamline 42-15, maintaining offensive pressure throughout the matchup.
The first period opened with Hamline taking the initial faceoff and mounting early pressure. However, UW-Eau Claire's defense held firm, with
Max Gutjahr making key saves. At 6:01, UWEC broke the deadlock when
Max Dronen scored the first goal, assisted by
Carter Green and
Andrew Hayek, giving them a 1-0 lead. Hamline's Calvin Knight received a holding penalty at 19:23, granting the Blugolds a late power play opportunity, but they were unable to capitalize before the period concluded. The Blugolds maintained their one-goal advantage heading into intermission.
In the second period,
Logan Ganz extended the Blugolds' lead to 2–0 with a goal at 18:58, assisted by Dronen and
Danny Reis. Hamline attempted to respond but faced strong defensive efforts, including a blocked shot by
Trenten Heyde early in the period. UWEC controlled the majority of play, managing several shots on goal, though many were blocked or saved by Cade Chapman. Despite multiple power-play opportunities, neither team capitalized, and the period concluded with UW-Eau Claire maintaining their two-goal advantage.
UWEC extended their lead early in the third period when
Leo Bacallao scored at 17:41, assisted by Ganz and
Carter Bradley. However, Hamline responded with a power-play goal from Jack Lambert at 14:24, reducing the deficit to 3–1. Hamline's momentum continued with Landon Steffen's even-strength goal at 8:08 and Dom Thomas equalized the score at 4:52, assisted by Lambert and Tristen May-Robinson. The period ended with a 3–3 tie, as both teams battled fiercely but failed to secure a decisive goal.
The Blugolds clinched a dramatic overtime victory against Hamline with a goal from Ganz at 1:10 into the overtime period. The play unfolded with Bradley and
Dayne Hoyord providing the assists, ensuring the home team's triumph in sudden death. The faceoff to start overtime was won by
Tyler Herzberg, setting the stage for UWEC's game-winning sequence as they held possession for most of the frame. This victory marked Ganz's fifth goal of the season and sealed a 4-3 win for UW-Eau Claire.
Ganz scored two goals, including the game-winner, and added an assist, finishing with a +4 rating. Bacallao tallied a goal on five shots, contributing to the offensive output. Herzberg dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 71% of his draws, while Bradley recorded two assists and blocked four shots defensively. Gutjahr made 11 saves while allowing three goals in the contest.
UW-Eau Claire holds an 11-5-1 record after their victory. Hamline stands at 3-11-2 following the close contest.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
