SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire (14-5-2, 9-1-1) edged UW-Superior (11-8-2, 4-6-1), 3–2, in overtime at Wessman Arena. The Blugolds secured the win with a power-play goal in the extra period, capitalizing on one of their three power-play opportunities.
The first period commenced with UW-Eau Claire securing an early faceoff win, but the scoring opened late in the period. UW-Superior took the lead at 18:47 when Tyler Ryder scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Carson Riddle and Daniel Rozsival. Both teams had opportunities, with UW-Eau Claire's
Max Gutjahr and Wis.-Superior's Jan Skorpik making several saves to keep the score tight. Despite two power plays for the Blugolds, they were unable to capitalize, leaving UW-Superior with a 1–0 lead at the end of the period.
Nolan Grier of UW-Eau Claire broke the deadlock at 15:07, scoring an even-strength goal with assists from
Carter Bradley and
Carson Strapon. The advantage was short-lived as UW-Superior's Carson Riddle equalized at 18:43, also at even strength, assisted by Daniel Rozsival and Tyler Ryder. The period featured consistent pressure from both sides, with each team creating multiple scoring opportunities. The frame concluded with UW-Superior leading 2–1 after Riddle's late tally.
Dayne Hoyord broke the deadlock at 13:31 of the third period, scoring his seventh goal of the season for the Blugolds, assisted by
Logan Ganz. Prior to the goal, UWEC's
Kade Peterson was penalized for hitting from behind at 18:41, leading to a power play for UW-Superior, but
Max Gutjahr made crucial saves to keep the score level. Following the goal, Wis.-Superior continued to pressure, with Gutjahr denying multiple attempts, while Jan Skorpik saved a late shot from
Leo Bacallao. The period concluded with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire holding a 3–2 lead.
UW-Eau Claire secured a tense overtime victory against UW-Superior with a 3–2 final score. The overtime period saw UW-Eau Claire dominate possession, with
Leo Bacallao taking an early chance that was saved by Jan Skorpik. A pivotal moment occurred at 2:12 when AJ Reed of UW-Superior was penalized for tripping, giving the Blugolds a power play. Just 11 seconds into the advantage, Bacallao capitalized on the opportunity, netting the game-winning goal at 2:23, assisted by
Max Ruoho, to clinch the win.
Leo Bacallao scored a power-play goal, which proved to be the game-winner, and took five shots.
Nolan Grier added a goal and contributed defensively with a blocked shot.
Tyler Herzberg excelled at the faceoff circle, winning 60 percent of his draws.
Max Gutjahr finished with 34 saves, allowing only two goals in the game.
Wis.-Eau Claire holds a 14-5-2 overall record and is 9-1-1 in conference play. Wis.-Superior has an 11-8-2 record with a 4-6-1 mark in league competition.
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