STEVENS POINT, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team traveled to Stevens Point on Wednesday for a rematch of the 2020 Commissioner's Cup Tournament Final. After a flurry of goals in the opening period, the Blugolds would retain the lead for a 7-3 victory.
The Blugolds wasted no time entering the new season with their usual firepower as Andrew McGlynn (St. Louis, MO – Christian Brothers College) found the back of the net just minutes into the game. About halfway through the first, Nick Techel (So. – Wausau, WI/West) and Derek Hammer (Jr. Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) would each add a goal of their own to extend the lead to 3-0. Nathan Dingmann (Sr. – Plymouth, MN/Wayzata) picked up primary assists on the goals by Techel and Hammer, while also adding a goal of his own in the second period.
Eau Claire special teams was put to the test in the second and third period. Serving 12 minutes of penalties on 6 infractions, the Blugold penalty kill only allowed one powerplay goal. The offensive side of Eau Claire's game continued to shine as they went 1 for 1 on the man-advantage.
Despite giving up two unanswered goals later in the game, UWEC would seal the deal with a wrap-around goal from Simon Sagissor (Jr. – Rosemount), and an empty net goal from Matt Stanton (So. – Stillwater, MN) in the third.
Zach Dyment (Sr. – Abbotsford, BC/Yale Secondary) stopped 25 of the 28 shot he faced and begins the season with a record of 1-0-0.
The Blugolds will head back to Eau Claire and prepare for a Friday evening contest as they host the Pointers for their home opener. Puck drop is scheduled for 7PM.
Follow all the action all season long at Blugold Gameday.
