SAINT PAUL, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team hit the road for the first time in 2023 as they faced nonconference opponent, Hamline University, at the TRIA Rink in downtown Saint Paul. Despite holding a two-goal lead after the second period, the Blugolds surrendered three unanswered goals in their 3-2 overtime defeat to the Pipers.
The opening period held an even flow as Eau Claire outshot the Piper 7-4 and found themselves on the powerplay twice. Both goaltenders stood tall after the first 20 minutes to send the squads into the dressing room with a scoreless tie during the first intermission.
Cade Lemmer (Fr. – Tomahawk, Wis./West) wasted no time lighting the lamp in the second as he put home his second goal of the season from the top of the circle with a wrist shot. Nick Techel (Sr. – Wausau, Wis./West) and Willy Stauber (Jr. – Duluth, Minn./Marshall) earned assists on the game's first goal. The momentum shifted in favor of UWEC as the game progressed continued with Eau Claire outshooting Hamline, 18-4. In the final minute of the middle frame, Ian Carpenter (Fr. – Mt. Prospect, Ill./John Hersey) rocketed home his first collegiate goal off a one-timer from Dawson Klein (So. – Lakeville, Minn./South) to extend the Blugold lead to 2-0. Aaron Swanson (Jr. – Sun Prairie, Wis./East) received the secondary assist off a faceoff win by Leo Bacallao (Fr. – Madison, Wis./Vel Phillips Memorial). Klein leads all Blugold defensemen with 11 points and eight assists on the year.
The UWEC lead was cut to just one goal at the 7:15 mark of the third period as Hamline University built their momentum through limiting Eau Claire shots. Just five minutes later, the Pipers found the equalizer at the 12:31 mark. The two goal period by the home team would send the game into overtime after 60 minutes of regulation play. During the extra frame, the Pipers converted on an odd man rush to take the 3-2 overtime victory and deal UWEC their sixth loss of the year.
Max Gutjahr (Fr. – Appleton, Wis./Kimberly) stopped 12 of the 15 shots he faced in his sixth loss of the year. Gutjahr is now 9-6-0 on the season.
The Blugolds (9-6-0, WIAC 3-3) will be back on the road for more nonconference play on Saturday, January 14th when they travel to Duluth, Minn. to faceoff against St. Scholastica. Puck drop is scheduled 7PM at the MARS Lakeview Arena.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
