The Falcon men's hockey team defeated the Cardinals of St. Mary's University by a score of 4-1 on Friday night at Hunt Arena.

The first period went scoreless as both teams battled back and forth for possession of the puck. The Falcons tallied 13 shots on goal to the Cardinals 10. Starting at goaltender for River Falls was Eric Babcook (Centennial, CO, Canmore, AJHL). Babcook earned his first start over freshman goalie Scott Lewan (Westland, MI, Alberni Valley, BCHL) since a disappointing 3-1 loss against St. Norbert College on November 19th. In net for the Cardinals was Jason Horstman.

Justin Brossman (Littleton, CO, Sioux City, USHL) came up big for the Falcons by scoring the first goal of the game, his 6th of the season, at 11:19 in the second period. Brossman was assisted by Josh Calleja (New Richmond, Wisconsin, MnJHL) and Falcon newcomer William Rose (Stowe, VT, Fairbanks, NAHL). Rose, a freshman defenseman, had earned the first start of his collegiate career.

The Falcons penalty kill defense came up strong in the second period after Brossman's goal. Following a series of roughing penalties, the Falcons found themselves fending off a 5-3 Cardinal power play opportunity. The Falcons not only killed the penalties, but extended their lead shortly after.

Freshman forward Alec Hagaman (Peoria, IL, Topeka, NAHL), tied with Brossman and Calleja for most points scored this season with 13, scored on a well placed slap shot. The goal came on a power play opportunity following a cross-checking penalty on Brad Denney. The goal was Hagaman's 9th of the season, and he currently leads the Falcons in goals scored this season.

Babcook and Horstman tallied 10 and 15 saves in the second period respectively.

Jeff Burke (New Richmond, Topeka, NAHL) extended the Falcon lead to three goals at 5:25 in the third period. The goal was the first of the defenseman's collegiate career. It was an eventful night for the aggressive defenseman who spent nine minutes in the penalty box throughout the game.

The Cardinals cut into the scoring deficit at 10:18 in the third period on the stick of Blake Zemaitis. The goal was Zemaitis' third of the season, and he was assisted by teammate Danny Wood.

Calleja put the nail in the coffin with the final goal of the game at 19:38. Calleja served his own brand of justice with the goal, as it came on a power play opportunity following being hit in the head by Vincent Unklesbay.

Babcook and Horstman tallied 12 and 13 saves in the period for a total of 35 and 41 saves respectively throughout the game. Babcook now holds a record of 3-2-0 on the season following the win against the Cardinals.

River Falls now holds a cumulative season record of 6-6-1 (2-4 in NCHA play.) The Falcons will be playing at home at Hunt Arena again tomorrow against the University of St. Thomas. A win against the always-formidable Tommies would give the Falcons a winning record on the season thus far. The puck is set to drop at 7:05 p.m.

Box Score