RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The UW-River Falls men's hockey team rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat UW-Eau Claire 4-3 Saturday evening at Hunt Arena.

Down 3-1 after two periods, the Falcons answered with a trio of goals in the third period, including two from freshman forward Valentino Passarelli to improve to 6-3-1 overall and 2-2 during WIAC play.
 
The Blugolds took a 2-0 lead after a strong first period, scoring on the first power play opportunity of the game four and half minutes into the game and adding another near the 12-minute mark. UWEC outshot the Falcons 15-5 and took a two-goal lead into the first intermission.
 
Sam Anzai got the Falcons on the board in the second period, his second goal of the season, assisted by Caleb Anderson.
 
UWEC limited the UWRF shot count again the second and took a 3-1 lead after scoring a rebound goal with just 15 seconds left in the second period.
 
An early Falcon goal in the third period gave the home team some momentum as Passarelli scored his first goal as a Falcon, capitalizing on a loose puck outside the crease after an Alex Davis shot from the point.
 
Cayden Cahill tipped in a Brock Draeger shot from the point to tie game at three apiece at 6:39 before Passarelli scored game-winner minutes later, sneaking a wrist shot outside the slot through net-front traffic. Noah Roofe logged his second assist of the game on the game-winner.

Dysen Skinner stood tall in net, making 31 saves to improve his record to 5-1 on the season.
 
UW-River Falls continues WIAC play next weekend, facing UW-Stout in a home & home series Dec. 10-11.