By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
DE PERE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team took to the road for the third time this season as they visited 3rd-ranked St. Norbert College Friday night. The Blugolds looked to improve their 7-0-0 record on the season and would fall short for their first loss, 2-1.
In the first period, the Green Knights would take advantage of a man-advantage power-play just three minutes into the period. Despite trailing early, the rest of the period seemed to tilt in both directions with both teams recording eight shots a piece.
The game would contain a total of 16 penalties with Eau Claire serving 18 minutes worth.
The Blugolds would tie things up with nine minutes left in the 2nd period while they were short-handed. Steen Cooper (Jr. – Duncan, BC) made an aggressive forecheck in the offensive zone, took the puck away, and found Kyle Froese (Traverse City, MI/Central) in the high slot. Froese would make a move to his right and snap the puck under the St. Norbert goalie to tie the game at one. Cooper and Connor Koviak (Fr. – Canton, MI/Plymouth) would both be awarded with assists. The period would end with the Green Knights getting their second powerplay goal of the night with 4 seconds remaining.
The last period would carry much of the same physicality and aggressive play by both sides. With each side putting together strong attack after attack, neither could find the back of the net. A couple late game penalties against Eau Claire would put them farther and farther from reaching an equalizer and never would catch up before the final buzzer.
Zach Dyment (So. – Abbotsford, BC/Yale Secondary) would save 23 of the 25 shots he faced but would be assessed his first loss of the season to update his record to 7-1-0.
The Blugolds will stay in eastern Wisconsin overnight and head to Ashwaubenon to take on Lawrence University at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.