EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) ? The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team recorded their fifth-straight win on Saturday night, defeating Northland College, 2-0.
The Blugolds came out firing, putting 21 shots on goal while holding the Lumberjacks to just seven in the first period. Despite the scoring chances, the first period would not see a goal.
The Blugolds finally got on the board at 10:26 of the second thanks to a goal by Sammy Martel (So. – Bolingbrook, IL/Neuqua Valley) with assists from Connor Koviak (Sr. – Canton, MI/Plymouth) and Ryan Green (So. – Muskego, WI). Eau Claire would again out-shoot Northland, this time 13-6.
A physical game from the start, the two teams continued to battle in the third. The Blugolds would seal the win with a late goal from Connor Szmul (So. – Castle Rock, CO/Castle View) off an assist from Ty Readman (Sr. – Edmonton, Alberta/Vimy Ridge Academy).
Netminder Ryan Ouellette (Fr. – Colorado Springs, CO/Liberty) stopped all 16 shots he faced and with the win, improves to 10-6-0 on the season. The Blugold offense would finish the night with 43 shots.
Both teams racked up penalty minutes, with 12 total penalties called between the two squads, nine in the third period alone.
Eau Claire (11-11-0, 7-6-0 WIAC) will be back on the road Tuesday, Feb. 8th as they travel to Appleton for a match-up with Lawrence University at 7:30 p.m. They will then return to Hobbs for the weekend as they host UW-River Falls to wrap up the regular season on Friday and Saturday night, both at 7 p.m.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on the app, UWEC Blugolds.
