MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (9-4-1) secured a 1-0 overtime victory over the Milwaukee School of Engineering (7-6-1) in a tense matchup, with the decisive goal coming in overtime. The Blugolds' goaltender,
Max Gutjahr, made 30 saves to preserve the shutout.
The first period between UW-Eau Claire and MSOE ended scoreless despite several opportunities from both teams. UWEC managed to control the faceoffs, winning multiple early draws, but could not capitalize on their two power-play chances.
Max Gutjahr and Austin Schwab were active in goal, each making several key saves to keep the game level. UW-Eau Claire's
Logan Ganz hit the pipe at 2:34, narrowly missing the chance to break the deadlock. The teams entered the intermission with neither side able to find the back of the net.
The teams remained scoreless throughout the second period despite multiple power-play opportunities for both teams. MSOE had the first power play of the period after
Dayne Hoyord was penalized for charging at 18:02, but the Blugolds' penalty kill, anchored by Gutjahr, kept the home team off the board. Shortly after, a cross-checking penalty on Nikolai Charchenko gave UW-Eau Claire a power play at 14:56, but they were unable to capitalize. Throughout the period, both teams traded shots, with the Blugolds' attempts frequently thwarted by Schwab, while Gutjahr continued to protect the net against a flurry of MSOE shots. The period ended with
Max Dronen receiving an interference penalty, giving MSOE a brief power play, which they could not convert before time expired.
The third period also ended without any scoring, as both teams failed to capitalize on their power-play opportunities. MSOE had two power plays early in the period after penalties on
Trenten Heyde and
Easton Inglis but could not convert, with Gutjahr making several key saves for UWEC. The visitors then had a power play of their own following a penalty on Seth Bernard, but Schwab kept the net secure for MSOE. Despite numerous shot attempts from both sides, the period concluded scoreless, leaving the final outcome unchanged.
In a tense overtime session, the Blugolds emerged victorious over MSOE with a sudden-death goal. MSOE initially controlled the puck, winning the opening faceoff and quickly taking a shot at 0:21, which was saved by Gutjahr. UW-Eau Claire responded with several attempts, including a shot by
Tyler Herzberg at 2:10, saved by Schwab. The decisive moment came at 4:21 when Herzberg scored, assisted by
Trey Gnetz and
Leo Bacallao, securing a 1-0 win for the Blugolds.
Tyler Herzberg scored the game-winning goal and added three shots, while also winning 14 of 25 faceoffs.
Max Gutjahr finished with 30 saves, keeping a clean sheet in his appearance.
The Blugolds improved to 9-4-1 overall after securing the victory. MSOE fell to 7-6-1 overall following the close contest.
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