MENOMONIE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (16-7-2, 11-3-1) closed their regular season Saturday night in a loss to the University of Wisconsin-Stout (19-5-1, 12-2-1), 3-2, at Dunn County Ice Arena. The Blugolds outshot their opponent 39-28 but couldn't find an equalizer in the final period.
The first period began with UW-Stout winning the initial faceoff, setting the stage for a closely contested match. UW-Eau Claire took the lead at 15:34 when
Dayne Hoyord scored his ninth goal of the season, assisted by
Max Ruoho and
Danny Reis. Despite numerous attempts by Stout, including blocked shots by
Logan Ganz and a save by goalie
Max Gutjahr, the Blugolds maintained their advantage until the final minute. With just 56 seconds remaining, Nicolas Pigeon equalized for UW-Stout, assisted by Hayden Stocks and Connor Mariner, closing the period at a 1–1 tie.
The Blue Devils extended its lead early in the second period when Sam Kroon scored at 15:52, assisted by Nicholas Stevens and Kullan Daikawa, bringing the score to 2–1. UW-Stout maintained pressure, and Hayden Stocks added a pivotal goal at 1:47, assisted by Brendan Boyce and Tristan Therrien, increasing the lead to 3–1. UWEC responded late in the period with a goal by Hoyord at 19:03, assisted by
Carter Bradley and
Max Dronen, narrowing the gap to 3–2. Despite a late power play opportunity for the Blugolds, the period concluded with Stout holding a one-goal lead.
In the third period, the Blugolds engaged heavily on offense but could not break through YW-Stout's defense. Early attempts by Hoyord and Ganz missed their marks, with Sebastian Monaco making pivotal saves to maintain his team's lead. Despite numerous shots, including a late flurry from
Leo Bacallao and Reis, UW-Eau Claire was unable to convert. Stout's defense held firm, blocking several attempts, and Monaco's goaltending was crucial in preserving the 3–2 victory for the home team.
Hoyord led the scoring efforts by netting two goals on four shots. Reis contributed with an assist and fired seven shots, while also blocking three attempts. Ruoho provided an assist and added two blocked shots to his performance. In goal, Gutjahr recorded 25 saves despite allowing three goals.
UWEC finishes the regular season with a record of 16-7-2 overall and 11-3-1 in conference play. UW-Stout, with a record of 19-5-1 overall and 12-2-1 in conference competition, hold the #1 seed heading into postseason play. The Blugolds will be the #2 seed in the WIAC Playoffs.
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