EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team held their season opener on Friday evening as they hosted the Saint John's University Johnnies. After trailing 2-0 in the second period, the Blugolds answered back to send the game into overtime. Connor Szmul (Jr. – Castle Rock, Colo./Castle View) scored the overtime winner for UW-Eau Claire to give them the 4-3 victory.
A special team's battle ensued at Hobbs Ice Center between the Blugolds and the Johnnies as each team tallied six penalties for 12 minutes each. Saint John's capitalized on twice in the second period on the man advantage to take a 2-0 lead.
UW-Eau Claire answered the call in the third as Quinn Green (Jr. – West Chicago, Ill./St. Charles East) notched the first goal of the season for the Blugolds on the power play. Connor Szmul and Leo Bacallao (Fr. – Madison, Wis.) earned assists on UWEC's first tally. Just minutes later, Ryan Green (Jr. – Muskego, Wis.) found the back of the to tie the game at 2-2. Dawson Klein (So. – Lakeville, Minn./South) and Ty Readman (Sr. – Edmonton, Alberta/Vimy Ridge Academy) recorded assists on R. Green's first goal of the game.
The Johnnies wouldn't back down as Saint John's scored a go-ahead goal at the 13:34 mark to take back their lead. Less than two minutes later, Ryan Green found himself with space on the left side and faked out the SJU goaltender for the game tying goal. Quinn Green received his second point on the night with the primary assist and Colin Stein (So. – Pewaukee, Wis./Catholic Memorial) earned the secondary assist.
Despite outshooting the visitors 14-6 in the final frame, both sides would find themselves deadlocked at 3-3 after regulation.
In overtime, the Blugolds broke up an odd man rush for the Johnnies in the opening minute to keep the game alive. Eau Claire found their time and space in the offensive zone moments later as Connor Szmul picked up a rebound out front and sent the puck to the far post and in to win it for UWEC. Quinn Green and Dawson Klein tallied assists on the game winning goal.
Max Gutjahr (Fr. – Appleton, Wis./Kimberly) stopped 20 of the 23 shots he faced to earn his first collegiate win with the Blugolds. Gutjahr starts the year with a 1-0 record.
The Blugolds (1-0) will be back on the ice on Saturday, November 5th for another non-conference matchup as the Gustavus Adolphus Golden Gusties travel to town. Puck drop is scheduled for 7PM at Hobbs Ice Center.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Gameday or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
