RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls men's hockey team was shut out 1-0 in the first ever matchup versus Beloit College Saturday evening at Hunt Arena.
Despite outshooting Beloit by a staggering 47-22 margin, a season-high shot total, and generating long stretches of offensive-zone pressure, the Falcons couldn't solve the Buccaneer defense and goaltender Andrew Yocum. In addition to Yocum's 47-save shutout, the Buccaneers blocked 19 shots.
The Falcons and Buccaneers were tied 0-0 through 20 minutes as UWRF held a 16-7 shot advantage in the first period.
Beloit outshot the Falcons 12-10 in the second period and took the game's first lead 15 minutes into the middle frame as Joe Weber pounced on a loose puck in the crease to put the visitors up 1-0, where the score stood heading into the third period.
UWRF pressed in the third period, including two power play chances and great looks with the extra attacker late in regulation, but but still couldn't break through. Beloit blocked 19 shots
Brennan Boynton was solid in net, turning aside 21 of 22 shots to keep the Falcons within striking distance the entire night. Max Collette led the Falcons with eight shots on goal, followed by six from Ben Portner. UWRF also gained solid possession off of faceoffs, winning 50-of-71, including an outstanding 23-5 night for Collette.
Up next, the Falcons (4-4, 0-2 WIAC) have a week off before returning to action on Friday, Dec. 5 at UW-Superior.
