By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team began postseason play on Friday night as they hosted the UW-Superior Yellowjackets in game one of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship (presented by Culver's) semifinal round. After a slow start, the Blugolds turned up the pace and skated past the Yellowjackets for a 4-1 victory.
In the first period, the Blugolds would start slow and would spend the first seven minutes defending their own zone. After the unusual start, the offensive power would spark just before the period would close as Simon Sagissor (So. – Stillwater, MN) netted his fourth goal of the season for the game's first tally.
The second period would carry the same momentum as Eau Claire would outshoot Superior 14-6. Just after the halfway mark of the contest, the Blugolds would extend their lead. Matt Stanton (Fr. – Stillwater, MN) would drive to the right side and pick out the top corner for his fifth goal of the year.
Jon Richards (Jr. – Callaway, MN/Detroit Lakes) would take control in the third period by scoring back-to-back goals just 10 minutes apart. His first came from a pass from Andrew McGlynn (St. Louis, MO/Christian Brothers College) and his second came from a nice move around a defender. Those goals would complete the 4-1 win for Eau Claire.
Goaltender Zach Dyment (Jr. – Abbotsford, BC/Yale Secondary) stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced for his 17th win of the season.
The Blugolds and Yellowjackets will be back at Hobbs Ice Center for game two of the semifinal round on Saturday, February 29th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm.
Follow the Blugolds all postseason long on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
