The Falcon men's hockey team beat NCHA rival UW-Stout in a come-from-behind win, 4-2, at Hunt Arena on Friday night.
Goaltender Scott Lewan (Westland, MI, Alberni Valley, BCHL) and his fellow Falcons entered Hunt Arena after a four-game road streak hoping to extend their winning streak to three during this crucial time in the season.
The Falcons were also battling to get their first win against the Blue Devils this season. The two teams have faced off twice already, with Stout winning both games, 4-3 and 4-2.
The first period was full of big hits and strong defensive stands. Stout took an early lead in the game off the stick of Kevin O'Donnell. Eric Scovill and Dan Cecka were awarded assists on the score that came just 1:58 into the first period.
Chris Salomone (Homer Glen, IL, Traverse City, NAHL) was cited for the lone penalty of the first period, a tripping call at 17:21. O'Donnell capitalized on the opportunity, tallying his second goal of the night at 18:40 to give his team a two-goal lead going into the second period. Assisting O'Donnell on the power-play goal was Joe Beaudette and Charles Lachance.
Salomone came back with a vengeance in the second period, scoring the first goal of his collegiate career at 5:02. Salamone was assisted by Andrew Harrison (Sault Ste. Marie, ONT, Fargo-Moorhead, NAHL).
Jason Yuel (Winnipeg, MAN, Prince George, BCHL) tied the score for the Falcons at 11:22 in the period. Yuel's goal, his fifth of the season, came short-handed following an elbowing penalty on Alec Hagaman (Peoria, IL, Topeka, NAHL). Assisting Yuel was Geoff Shewmake (Chicago, IL, Bradford, GMHL) and Inderieden.
The Falcons outshot the Blue Devils 13-8 in the period.
Lachance received a minor penalty for interference after the opening minute of the third period, and the Falcons capitalized. Hagaman gave the Falcons the lead with a thrilling power play goal at 2:20, with assists coming from John Bullis (Frisco, TX, Texas, NAHL) and Yuel.
River Falls dominated the puck in the third period,and Justin Brossman (Littleton, CO, Sioux City, USHL) gave the Falcons an insurance goal at 13:52 on a power-play chance following a hooking penalty on Logan Maly. Brossman's score was his 11th of the season, as the Falcons leader in points this season continued to come up big for his team on Friday night. Assisting Brossman on the last goal of the night was Josh Calleja (New Richmond, Wisconsin, MnJHL) and Inderieden.
Lewan tallied 27 saves in the game, with nine of them coming in the third period. Nick Hopper also made nine saves in the period for a game total of 31.
The Falcons finished 2-5 on the power play while Stout was 1-4.
The Falcons are now 10-11-1 this season, going 6-9 in NCHA play. The Falcons will be on the road again on Saturday night to face off against the Blugolds of UW-Eau Claire. The game is the last road game for the Falcons this season, as they will return with a two-game home stand to end the season next week.
The opening faceoff at Hobbs Ice Center in Eau Claire is at 7 p.m.
Box Score
