By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
Superior, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The No. 3 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team resumed WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) play this Friday as they hit the road to take on UW-Superior. The Blugolds, coming off a 12-day break, would fall to the Yellowjackets by a 2-1 score.
In a very physical first period, both teams would get a chance to display their special teams play, but eight total blocked shots between the sides would keep things scoreless.
The second period was much of the same story. Zach Dyment (So. – Abbotsford, BC/Yale Secondary) would stand tall in net making some big saves stopping all 18 shots he faced in the first 40 minutes of play.
The third period wouldn't start in favor of the Blugolds after a five minute major and game misconduct was assessed to Eau Claire, putting the Blugolds at an early disadvantage. The Yellowjackets would capitalize once during the power play and once right after time expired for a two-goal lead.
That lead would be cut to just one with 90 seconds remaining as Jon Richards (So. – Callaway, MN/Detroit Lakes) would bat the puck out of midair to score the lone Blugold goal. Despite a flurry of shots at the end, the Blugolds were unable to find the net again and the score would end in a 1-2 loss.
Dyment saved 25 of the 27 shots he faced.
The Blugolds will finish WIAC conference play on Saturday as they head home to host the #1 UW-Stevens Point Pointers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.