RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The UW-River Falls men's hockey team defeated Saint John's University 5-1 Saturday evening during the 2024-25 season opener at Hunt Arena.
Four unanswered goals in the third period and several career firsts led UWRF to victory.
The Falcons got on the board first just under five minutes into regulation as an
Alex Davis shot from the point was deflected by
Reid Lune for his first goal as a Falcon in his first collegiate game, and UWRF took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
UWRF maintained its one-goal lead into the final 20 minutes after a scoreless middle frame. The Falcons outshot the Johnnies 14-4 in the second.
Six minutes into the third period,
Connor Brust was whistled for a tripping minor and SJU tied up the game on the power play. Just when the Johnnies thought they'd gained momentum however, the Falcons responded with four unanswered goals to seal the win.
Just past the midway mark of the third, another Falcon freshman scored in his collegiate debut as
Cole Teleki gave UWRF a 2-1 lead for the game-winner. In the next four minutes, the Falcons added two more with goals from
Jonny Meiers and
Adisen Brueck. It was also Brueck's first as a Falcon. Saint John's pulled its goaltender late in regulation and
Gibb Coady added extra insurance with an empty-net goal.
Alex Davis and
Burke Simpson finished the night with two assists each while UWRF outshot SJU 39-26. Making his first appearance as a Falcon in net,
Brennan Boynton made the start and collected 25 saves en route to receiving the win.
The Falcons (1-0, 0-0 WIAC) remain at Hunt Arena next week, hosting Hamline University on Thursday, Nov. 7, and Gustavus Adolphus College on Nov. 9.
