By Justin Dade - Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The No. 14 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team defeated the UW-River Falls Falcons 4-0 on Saturday night at Hobbs Ice Center on alumni night.
Following the disappointing loss on the road in Menomonie on Wednesday to open conference play, the Blugolds earned their first WIAC win of the season behind a strong showing in net by goaltender David Johnson (So. – Bloomington, MN). UW-Eau Claire has now beaten the Falcons five straight times dating back to last season.
The Blugolds found the back of the net first in this one following a UW-River Falls turnover in their own end. Jake Bresser (So – Eau Claire, WI) found himself in alone following the turnover and beat goaltender Zach Quinn short side to quickly make it 1-0 not even two minutes into the game. Jacob Wolter (Sr. – Fairbanks, AK) was credited with the assist on Bresser's fifth goal of the season.
UW-Eau Claire would have a few more high-quality scoring chances before the end of the period, but the score would stay 1-0 after one frame with the Blugolds leading 13-8 in shots on goal.
A Falcons' penalty would lead to a power-play goal right off the faceoff scored by Scott Munro (So. – Vancouver, BC) late it the second period to make it 2-0. Alex Strand (So. – Roseau, MN) and Jake Hopfner (Sr. – Eastpointe, MI) were credited with the assists on the tally.
UW-Eau Claire would add a third just over six minutes into the third period on a beautiful feed from Hopfner to Jesse Tredinnick (Sr. – Onalaska, WI) who beat Quinn with backhand to make it 3-0.
The Blugolds would add one more insurance goal on a shot by the point that was deflected past Quinn by Jacob Wolter to send it to the final score of 4-0. Defensemen Logan Von Ruden (So. – Northfield, MN) and Adam Parsells (Fr. – Wausau, WI) got credit for the two assists on Wolter's first goal of the season.
Johnson got his second start of the year and was very solid saving all 21 shots he saw on the night to improve to 2-0. The sophomore's save percentage now sits at .981 and his goals allowed average at .037 in limited playing time.
The Blugolds (8-4-0, 1-1-0) will now have a few days off before heading on the road for a rare Tuesday night game against Northland College in Ashland.
Follow all the action on Blugold Game Day.
