RIVER FALLS, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's hockey team jumped out to an early 1-0 lead but 7th-ranked UW-River Falls scored the next six goals on its way to a 6-1 victory here tonight at Hunt Arena.
Box Score | Coach Collins Post-Game Comments
The Blugolds fall to 5-19-1 overall and 1-10-1 in the WIAC while the Falcons improve to 21-3-1 overall and 10-1-1 on conference play. River Falls had clinched the outright WIAC regular season championship and top seed in the WIAC Women's Hockey Tournament prior to tonight's game.
Eau Claire started the game strong when Katie Burkey (So.-Ramsey, MN/Anoka) scored her first goal of the season off a power play goal at 5:25 of the first period giving the Blugolds a 1-0 lead. The Blugolds allowed just one goal as River Falls fired 18 shots on goal in the first period but the Blugolds stayed strong as they entered the first intermission tied 1-1.
The Falcons regrouped adding two goals in the second period and three goals in the third period to pull away with the win. Three of the final five goals were scored on Falcon power plays.
Goalie Kim Van Brunt (Jr.-Eagle River, WI/Northland Pines) saved 47 shots on goal playing all 60 minutes. Earlier in the season Van Brunt saved 49 shots in a 4-3 victory at UW-Superior on January 24.
Eau Claire received 18 penalty minutes on nine infractions while River Falls earned 12 penalty minutes on six minor infractions. The Blugolds converted one one-of-five power play opportunities while the Falcons scored three goals on seven power plays.
Both teams will return to Hunt Arena next Friday, February 27 where they will square off in the WIAC Tournament Semifinals. Official starting time has yet to be announced.
-KCM-
