RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The UW-River Falls men's hockey team opened its weekend conference series versus Northland College with a 4-1 win Friday evening at Hunt Arena.
A two-goal first period made the difference for the Falcons, who added another in the third before Northland got on the board, answered by a Falcon empty-net goal for good measure. UWRF improves to 10-13-1 overall and 4-9-1 during WIAC play with its third consecutive win while advancing its record at home to 8-4.
The Falcons scored on their first power play chance of the game, with
Valentino Passarelli deflecting a
Dylan Smith shot for his second of the season. Minutes later,
Noah Roofe buried a rebound to give the home team a 2-0 advantage after one period.
After a scoreless middle frame,
Josh Martin extended the Falcons' lead early in the third period, tipping a Peter Grydtahl pass for his second goal of the year.
Northland pulled its goalie and scored with the extra attacker late to trim the Falcon lead to 3-1, but an empty net goal by
Owen Belisle sealed the win for the Falcons a minute later.
UWRF held a 25-17 shot advantage, with 16 saves from
Dysen Skinner to improve his record to 8-8.
The two teams play again tomorrow during Senior Night and the regular season finale at Hunt Arena.
