EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (16-5-2, 11-1-1) defeated the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (11-11-1, 5-8-0) 4–3 at home, aided by a strong second period where they scored three goals. The Blugolds capitalized on the power play, converting three of four opportunities.
The first period between UWEC and UW-RF began with a faceoff won by UW-River Falls' Max Collette. Both teams exchanged shots early, with the Blugolds'
Easton Inglis and
Leo Bacallao testing the defense, though Bacallao's attempt was blocked by Tyler Lee. A power play opportunity came for the Falcons at 16:13 after
Nolan Grier of UWEC was penalized for tripping, but
Max Gutjahr kept the net secure, making key saves. Despite several chances, including a shot that hit the pipe by
Trey Gnetz, the teams remained scoreless at the end of the period.
The period saw UWEC extend their lead with three unanswered goals against the Falcons.
Dayne Hoyord opened the scoring at 6:19 with a power-play goal, assisted by
Logan Ganz and Inglis. Later, Bacallao capitalized on another power play, netting his 11th goal of the season at 9:44, assisted by
Max Dronen and
Max Ruoho.
Kade Peterson added an even-strength goal at the 13:00 mark, with assists from
Tyler Herzberg and Bacallao, bringing the score to 3-0. The Blugolds' defense, backed by goaltender Gutjahr, held the Falcons scoreless throughout the period.
Inglis extended the Blugolds' lead early in the third period with a power-play goal at 14:43, assisted by Ganz and Hoyord, bringing the score to 4-0. The Falcons responded with determination, cutting the deficit to 4-1 at 12:20 through Luke Margenau on a power play, followed by an even-strength goal from Owen Belisle just 12 seconds later to make it 4-2. As the period progressed, Jonny Meiers added another for the Falcons at 3:21, narrowing the margin to one goal. Despite intense pressure and pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, the Falcons could not find the equalizer, resulting in a 4-3 victory for UWEC.
Bacallao scored once on the power play and added an assist, contributing to a total of eight shots on goal. Inglis recorded a goal and an assist, with his goal also serving as the game-winner on the power play. Hoyord tallied a goal and an assist, with his goal coming on the power play as well. Ganz provided two assists while taking two shots. Gutjahr finished with 29 saves, allowing three goals in the game.
The Blugolds have a record of 16-5-2 overall and 11-1-1 in conference play. The Falcons stand at 11-11-1 overall with a conference record of 5-8-0.
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