Posted: Jan 05, 2013
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) — The UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team came out and dominated play throughout most of the game against Concordia-Moorehead (Minn.). Unfortunately, they did not get the end result they were hoping for, falling 2-1, in overtime.
The Blugolds (12-3-1) controlled the play in the offensive zone throughout the first period, but the Cobbers (6-8-1) were able to keep UW-Eau Claire off the board. The Blugolds peppered the Cobbers netminder with 20 shots, but they were not able to solve him.
Concordia-Moorehead's goalie continued his strong play in the second period, but his team helped him out a little offensively as well. The Cobbers actually outshot the Blugolds in the second period 12-9, and at 5:12 of the period, they took the lead on a power-play goal.
The Blugolds came out strong in the third, facing a 1-0 deficit, and were able to finally break through and tie up the game. At 2:32 of the third, Chris Heineman (So.-New Boston, Mich./Traverse City Central) solved the Cobbers goalie and appeared to finally give the Blugolds the momentum.
Much like the first period, the Blugolds dominated the final frame. They outshot the Cobbers 17-5, but they couldn't get the go-ahead goal and the teams headed to overtime.
Concordia-Moorehead broke through in overtime and shocked the Blugolds at 1:42 of the extra period. It was just the third loss of the season for the Blugolds, and the second overtime loss of the season.
The Blugolds outshot the Cobbers 46-27, but they ran into a hot goalie and that proved to be the difference. UW-Eau Claire was also 0-for-6 on the power-play.
Alex Bjerk (Sr.-Roseau, Minn./Roseau) made 25 saves in his third start of the season, but suffered his first loss, falling to 2-1 this year.
The Blugolds will play again next Saturday as they hit the road to take on St. Olaf (Minn.) at 7:30 p.m. It will be their final non-conference game of the season as they gear up for the final stretch on conference games to end the season.
-JM-