RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The UW-River Falls men's hockey team earned a 3-1 win over the University of Dubuque Tuesday evening at Hunt Arena during the 2023-24 season opener.

It was the ever meeting between UWRF and Dubuque during the Spartans' inaugural season. The Falcons, now 2-0 overall, scored twice in the second and once in the third while outshooting the Spartans 42-22.

After a scoreless first period in which UWRF held a 20-5 lead in shots on goal, a pair of newcomers gave the home team a two-goal lead in the middle frame. Max Collette and Brock Weimer both scored their firsts as a Falcon, Collette just under five minutes into the second period off a nice shot while streaking down the left wing, and Weimer minutes later after one-timing home a pass in the slot from linemate Arsenii Smekhnov.

A Josh Martin shot from the point gave the Falcons a three-goal cushion in the third period before the Spartans pushed back.

Dysen Skinner, who opened the season on Saturday with his seventh career shutout during the win at Saint John's to earn WIAC Player of the Week laurels, opened the season with five consecutive scoreless periods before Dubuque broke the streak 11 minutes in to the third period.

The Falcon defense fought off a strong comeback effort from the Spartans towards the end of the game. UD had its most shots on goal in the third period with 11, and pulled its goaltender with nearly two minutes remaining, but to no avail.

Both teams went 0-for-4 on the power play while the Falcons led 34-23 in faceoffs. 

Skinner improved to 2-0 on the season while collecting 21 saves.

The Falcons open WIAC action next Tuesday, hosting UW-Stout.
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