EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Not playing since December 13, the UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team knocked off some rust defeating Marian University 5-3 here tonight at Hobbs Ice Center.
The Blugolds improve to 8-3-2 overall while the Sabres fall to 6-8-0. It was the first meeting between both schools since 2009. Eau Claire owns a 5-1 all-time advantage over Marian.
Eau Claire took an early 1-0 lead when Jack Callahan (Sr.-Red Bank, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy) scored his first goal of the season at 10:32 of the first period assisted by Brandon Wahlin (So.-White Bear Lake, MN) and Ethan Nauman (Jr.-Mosinee, WI). It was the 10th assist of the season for Wahlin, tying Callahan and Patrick Moore (So.-Grand Rapids, MN) for the team lead.
Moore scored his second point of the night on a goal at 14:53 of the first period assisted by David Henry (So.-Forest City, CA/Junipero Serra) and Jake Hopfner (Fr.-Eastpointe, MI/Warren Woods Tower) extending the Blugold lead to 2-0.
Holding a 2-1 lead at the first intermission, the Blugolds responded when Jeff Pauluk (Jr.-Bloomington, MN/Jefferson) scored his third goal of the season at 3:25 of the second period assisted by Joe Schmitz (Jr.-Lino Lakes, MN/Centennial) and Adam Knochenmus (So.-Roseau, MN) giving the Blugolds a 3-1 lead.
Marian cut the Eau Claire lead to 3-2 until Ross Andersen (Sr.-River Falls, WI) scored his ninth goal of the season at 17:13 of the second period giving the Blugolds a two-goal advantage. Andersen has scored three of the Blugolds' four short-handed goals this season.
Nauman ended the night scoring an empty net goal unassisted at 18:30 to seal the 5-3 victory.
Goalie Tyler Green (Jr.-Noblesville, IN) earned his fifth victory of the season saving 29 shots between the pipes. His season record now stands at 5-1-1.
Eau Claire was outshot by Marian 32-26. The Blugolds continued to be hot on the power play converting one-of-three opportunities. Both teams were whistled for four minor infractions.
The Blugolds return to the ice tomorrow night when they travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to face Augsburg College for the second time this season. Face-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
-KCM-