By: Justin Dade – UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The No. 6 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team was defeated 2-1 by the Falcons of Concordia University (Wis.) on Friday night at Hobbs Ice Arena.
The Blugolds returned home after a weekend of success on the road but just were not able to bring the momentum back falling for the first time this season.
The Falcons came out flying early in the first period as they took the lead just 42 seconds in the game on a goal from freshman forward Connor Hogg.
The Blugolds struggled to get much going on offense early in the game, and really struggled to find any rhythm. Eau Claire had only two shots on goal in the first 15 minutes of the game, but ended the period strong as the first frame ended with both teams tallying nine shots on goal.
The second period brought even more shots on goal for the Blugolds and a lot of physical play.
Concordia found the back of the net for the second time 8:28 into the second period on a goal from Braden Crone to extend the Falcons' lead to 2-0.
The Falcons committed a high-sticking penalty late in the period that would prove to be costly as the Blugolds got on the board on a power-play goal from Patrick Moore (Jr. - Grand Rapids, MN) assisted by David Henry (Jr. - Foster City, CA).
Eau Claire rode the momentum into the third period, but were unable to put another one behind goaltender Andy Munroe who stopped 33 of the 34 Blugold shots. The Blugolds pulled goaltender Tyler Green (Sr. – Noblesville, IN late and added a lot of pressure, but could not overcome the deficit.
Green made his first start since Nov. 6 and saved 21 of the 23 Concordia shots on goal. With this loss, Green's record on the season heads to 2-1-1.
Moore had a good night in the faceoff circle winning 18 of his 28 attempts, and the Blugolds killed off every Falcon power play on the night to improve their penalty kill percentage to an impressive 93.1 percent.
The Blugolds will try to get back to their winning ways tomorrow night at Hobbs Ice Arena at 7 p.m. against Lake Forest (Ill.).
