EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire (12-5-1, 7-1-0) defeated Beloit (4-13-1, 1-7-0), 7–2, at their home venue. The Blugolds capitalized on one power-play opportunity while outshooting Beloit 54-11.
UW-Eau Claire and Beloit engaged in a competitive first period, beginning with a faceoff won by Beloit's John David Shoniker. Despite early pressure from UW-Eau Claire, including several shots that were either wide or saved, it was Beloit who struck first. George Haigley netted a short-handed goal unassisted at 5:17, putting Beloit ahead. The Blugolds responded on a power play at 4:11 when
Leo Bacallao scored, assisted by
Max Ruoho and
Logan Ganz, leveling the score at 1-1 by the period's end.
UW-Eau Claire broke open in the second period with a series of unanswered goals, starting with
Easton Inglis at 15:30, assisted by
Luke Lavery and
Carson Strapon, to make it 2-1. Just over a minute and a half later, Ganz extended the lead with an unassisted goal at 13:50. Bacallao further added to the tally at 6:02, with assists from Lavery and
Trey Gnetz, pushing the score to 4-1.
Dayne Hoyord capped the scoring for the period at 4:16, assisted once more by
Tyler Herzberg, ensuring a commanding 5-1 lead for UWEC.
The Blugolds capitalized early in the third period with a power play but failed to convert despite multiple attempts, including a blocked shot by Ethan Rubin. At 11:41,
Brent Gulenchyn extended their lead to 6–1 with an even-strength goal, assisted by
Connor Thompson and
Cameron Bullinger. Beloit responded at 5:10 when Nathan Hinze scored, assisted by Rubin, bringing the score to 6–2. Inglis sealed the victory for UW-Eau Claire with a goal at 3:39, assisted by Lavery and Strapon, concluding the period with a 7–2 result.
Bacallao scored two goals, including one on the power play, and registered four shots on goal. Ganz contributed a goal and an assist, with his goal being the game-winner. Inglis found the net twice and maintained a +3 rating, while winning 15 of 22 faceoffs. Lavery added three assists, finishing with five shots on goal.
The Blugolds improved to 12-5-1 overall and 7-1-0 in conference play after their victory. Beloit fell to 4-13-1 overall and 1-7-0 in conference competition.
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