River Falls, Wis.  (uwrfsports.com) – The UW-River Falls Men's Hockey team fell just short in their comeback against the St. Scholastica Saints falling 5-4.  It was a very physical contest with 22 penalties called between the teams. Cayden Cahill scored 2 goals, Tim Gelatt added a goal and an assist, and Eddie Matsushima added 2 assists for the Falcons.
 
THE RUNDOWN
Final Score:  St. Scholastica 5, UW-River Falls 4
Location: River Falls, Wis.
Records: UW-River Falls 4-9-1 (0-2-0 WIAC), St. Scholastica 6-5-1 (3-4-1 UMAC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST UNIVERSITY OF ST. SCHOLASTICA

• The first period started off with a lot of physical play from St. Scholastica.  The Saints were able to get on the board first as Kristofer McKinzie banged home a loose rebound in the crease for a 1-0 Saints lead.
• The Saints would push it to 2-0 when Kristoger McKinzie broke in short-handed on Michael Hughes, and while getting hooked was able to score his 2^nd goal of the game.
• The Falcons would finally crack the scoreboard late in the period when Cayden Cahill, with his back to net, tucked home a knocked pass from Christian Hausinger for his 4^th goal of the year.
• During the 2^nd period the Saints would push the lead to 3-1 on the Power Play as Jordan Fralich would score his 4^th of the season.
• Just over 2 minutes later Nolan Ross would intercept a pass, and the Saints would skate in 2-1 on Michael Hughes.  Ross would fire a wrist shot that caught the far post to push the lead to 4-1.
• Early in the 3^rd period the Falcons special teams would come through.  With the Saints on the Power Play, Cayden Cahill stole the puck, and skated in alone to score his 2^nd of the game.  It cut the Saints lead to 4-2.
• Frustration started to set in for the Falcons as they were whistled for 3 straight penalties, including a 10 minute misconduct to Aussie Miller.  The Saints converted on opportunity on a 5-3 to push the lead to 5-2.
• The Falcons cut the lead to 5-3 on the Power Play as Blake Anderson found the back of the net.
• The Falcons would cut the lead to 5-4 on the Power Play as Tim Gelatt scored their 2^nd Power Play goal of the period.
• UW-River Falls pulled goal Michael Hughes with 1:41 left in the game.  The Falcons had a few shots go just wide, but were unable to find the back of the net.

 THE OPPOSITION

• Forbes Ploszaj made 27 saves for the Saints.
• Nate Pionk had 2 assists in the game.
• Saints scored a short-handed and a power-play goal.

LOOKING AHEAD
The UW-River Falls men's hockey team returns to the ice on January 6, 2018 as they play Gustavus Adolphus at Hunt Arena. The puck drops at 7:05 PM.