The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men’s hockey team secured a 2-1 victory over UW-River Falls in a heated Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) matchup. The game was marked by impressive special teams’ play, with UW-Eau Claire scoring on the power play and on the penalty kill.
The Blugolds came out strong in the opening period, outshooting UW-River Falls 12-1. Both teams hit the first intermission tied at 0-0, with solid performances from both netminders.
The second period saw a flurry of penalties, with UW-Eau Claire taking the lead at the 5:29 mark with a power play goal by Trenten Heyde. The Blugolds maintained their lead throughout the period, heading into the second intermission with a 1-0 advantage.
In the third period, Aaron Swanson extended UW-Eau Claire’s lead with a shorthanded goal, showcasing his skill and contributing to the team’s victory. Despite a late goal from River Falls, UW-Eau Claire’s defense held strong, securing the 2-1 win.
Goaltender Max Gutjahr delivered a solid performance, stopping 22 of the 23 shots he faced and earning his fourth win of the season.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds (4-1, WIAC 2-1) will face St. Norbert College in a doubleheader on Friday, November 24th at Cornerstone Community Center in De Pere, Wis.