DE PERE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The eighth-ranked UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team stayed undefeated in a 3-3 overtime tie against third-ranked St. Norbert College tonight.
The game was the second of the weekend series between the two teams. This weekend was the first time the Blugolds did not lose a game in a weekend series against St. Norbert since 1995.
Eau Claire is now 7-0-1 overall and 5-0-1 in the NCHA, in first place. This is the first time since 1982 the Blugolds haven't lost a game through their first eight contests of the season.
Unfortunately, the tie ended the Blugolds' seven game winning streak, which was the second longest winning streak in program history. However, the Blugolds still maintain their undefeated record of 7-0-1.
The game was relatively close all night, with three lead changes and three ties. St. Norbert found the net first with a goal in the fifth minute of the first period. However, the Blugolds quickly responded when Daniel Olszewski (Jr.-Janesville, Wis./Craig) fired a shot past St. Norbert keeper David Jacobson in the 10th minute. St. Norbert then scored again to take the lead going into the second period.
The Blugolds shifted momentum in the second period, scoring two goals, including a second from Olszewski. They carried their lead into the third period, but St. Norbert managed to score in the 12th minute to tie the game.
Neither team scored in the overtime period as the Green Knights led the shot chart 5-2.
Blugolds' keeper Brandon Stephenson (Sr.-Saline, Wis.) remained hot in net, stopping 28 of St. Norbert's 31 shots.
Forward Andrew Wilcox (Sr.-Rochester, Minn./Century) led the Blugolds with two assists in the game. Both assists led to Olszewski goals.
The Blugolds look to stay on their hot-streak when they face Concordia (Wis.) next Saturday. The game will be a home game for the Blugolds at Hobbs Ice Center, and the puck will drop at 7 p.m. They will also play Concordia Sunday at 2 p.m.
-BP-