SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (13-5-2, 8-1-1) and the University of Wisconsin-Superior (11-7-2, 4-5-1) played to a 2–2 tie at Wessman Arena. The Blugolds controlled the faceoff circle, winning 58% of draws, but both teams failed to score in overtime.
The game between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Superior began with the Blugolds winning the initial faceoff.
Dayne Hoyord put UW-Eau Claire ahead at 16:44 with an even-strength goal assisted by
Trenten Heyde. Superior equalized at 5:00, with Andrew Larson scoring, assisted by Logan Nickerson and Daniel Rozsival. The period ended tied 1–1, with both teams unable to capitalize on their respective power play opportunities.
The Blugolds maintained offensive pressure early in the second period, with Hoyord and
Nolan Grier each forcing saves from Jan Skorpik. A penalty on Superior's Tyler Ryder at 12:58 gave UWEC a power play opportunity, but they were unable to capitalize. The Blugolds extended their lead to 2–1 at 7:51 when
Max Dronen scored with assists from Hoyord and
Max Ruoho. Superior made several attempts to equalize, but
Max Gutjahr's saves preserved UW-Eau Claire's advantage at the end of the period.
Dusty Bergstrom scored a power-play goal at 12:26 to tie the game 2–2, assisted by Jordan Gibbs and Carson Riddle. The period was marked by strong defensive efforts from both teams, with multiple shots being blocked or saved.
Kade Peterson's tripping penalty led to Bergstrom's equalizer during Superior's power play. The Blugolds had several attempts to regain the lead, but Skorpik made key saves to maintain the tie.
The overtime period between UW-Eau Claire and Superior began with Superior winning the opening faceoff. Just six seconds in, the Blugolds' power play ended as Ikki Kogawa of Superior returned from the penalty box.
Leo Bacallao of UWEC took the first shot of the period at 00:50, but Skorpik made the save. Moments later, Bacallao received a two-minute penalty for holding at 02:47, giving Superior a power play after their timeout. Despite shots from AJ Reed, blocked by
Trey Gnetz and Heyde, neither team scored, and the period concluded with the score still tied at 0–0.
The shootout between UW-Eau Claire and Superior unfolded with dramatic tension as Gnetz opened with a successful attempt against Skorpik. Superior responded with Kogawa also converting against Gutjahr. As the shootout continued, a series of missed attempts ensued from both teams, maintaining the stalemate until Bacallao broke through with a decisive goal for the Blugolds. Gutjahr then secured the victory by stopping Justin Dauphinais's final attempt, ending the contest in UW-Eau Claire's favor.
Max Dronen scored a goal on two shots, contributing a key point for UWEC.
Easton Inglis excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 12 of 17 draws for a 70 percent success rate.
Dayne Hoyord added one goal and one assist, finishing with three shots and a +2 rating. Goaltender
Max Gutjahr recorded 21 saves, allowing only two goals in the matchup.
UW-Eau Claire holds a record of 13-5-2 overall and 8-1-1 in conference play. Superior stands at 11-7-2 overall with a 4-5-1 mark in conference competition.
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