By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team hosted their last regular season contest at Hobbs Ice Center versus UW-River Falls. Both teams came into the game nationally ranked with the Blugolds ranked #3 and the Falcons #7. After a scoreless first period, the Blugolds would play a smart and skilled defensive game to secure the 1-0 win and first ever regular season conference title.
The goal light would take 22 minutes to turn on after Emma Peterson (Jr. – Superior, WI) would find the back of the net. Peterson would find space in the middle, put the puck on her backhand, and fire it top shelf for the powerplay goal. It would serve as Peterson's 9th goal of the year and the team's 26th powerplay goal.
The third period would be dominated by the Blugolds' defensive zone work. With only one of the four penalty infractions called in the final frame, UW-Eau Claire would stand tall through all 12 shots from the Falcons.
Goaltender Erin Connolly (Sr. – Mequon, WI/Homestead) stopped all 25 she faced for her 18th win and 7th shutout of the season. Connolly is now 18-1-2 on the year.
With their 20th win of the season, UW-Eau Claire secures their first ever Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and the No. 1 seed in the WIAC Championships.
The Blugolds will wrap up their regular season on Saturday, February 22nd, when they travel to UW-River Falls to complete the weekend series.
Follow the Blugolds all season long on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
