RIVER FALLS, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team has earned another trip the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Tournament Championship (presented by Culver's) after defeating UW-River Falls 3-1 on Saturday night.
The first two periods were a defensive battle, with each team recording just six shots in the first period and Eau Claire tallying five to River Falls' six in the second. In a fast and physical game, neither team could find the back of the net.
The third period was a different story, with the Blugolds firing 16 shots on net to the Falcons' 10.
River Falls would strike first, scoring five minutes into the frame. However, Matt Stanton (Jr. – Stillwater, MN) would tie things up at 12:25 with assists from Simon Sagissor (Sr. – Stillwater, MN) and Jarrad Vroman (Sr. – Lincoln Park, MI/St. Francis Cabrini). Four minutes later, Quinn Green (So. – West Chicago, IL/St. Charles East) would get the go-ahead goal with assists from Sagissor and Stanton.
Sagissor would clinch the game with a powerplay goal at 18:41 thanks to assists from Willy Stauber (So. – Duluth, MN/Marshall) and Ty Readman (Sr. – Edmonton, Alberta/Vimy Ridge Academy), sending the Blugolds to the WIAC Championship.
Eau Claire out-shot River Falls 27-22 and dominated the faceoff circle, winning 43 of 66 faceoffs.
Ryan Ouellette (Fr. – Colorado Springs, CO/Liberty) had another stellar night in goal, recording 21 saves and moves to 16-6-1 on the season.
Eau Claire (17-11-1) will travel to Stevens Point March 5th to take on the Pointers (21-5-1) in the WIAC Championship at KB Willett Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the app, UWEC Blugolds.