DULUTH, Minn. — The UW-River Falls men's hockey team earned a 3-0 shutout victory at the College of Saint Scholastica Saturday night at Lakeview Arena.
The win snaps a four-game losing skid and improves UWRF's overall record to 7-8.
UWRF scored twice in the opening period and added an early second-period goal before locking things down defensively the rest of the way. Senior goaltender
Brennan Boynton was sharp throughout, stopping all 33 shots he faced to record his first shutout of the season.
The Falcons opened the scoring at the 5:56 mark of the first period when Gavin Middendorf scored off the rush to give UWRF a 1-0 lead. Ben Portner doubled the advantage later in the frame, scoring at 13:34 after Jonny Meiers forced a turnover and set him up in the slot.
UWRF extended its lead early in the second period as Hunter Jones found the back of the net at 3:06, converting an outlet pass from Connor Brust and a feed from Ethan Lindahl.
From there, the Falcons relied on disciplined team defense and timely saves from Boynton. UWRF successfully killed off all St. Scholastica power play chances, including two in the second period, and limited the Saints to just nine shots in the third.
The Falcons held a 35-33 edge in shots and won 31 of 54 faceoffs, led by Portner's 13 faceoff wins.
The Falcons remain in non-conference action next weekend, returning to Hunt Arena to host a two-game home stand versus St. Olaf College and Saint Mary's University. Saturday, Jan. 17 is UWRF Employee Appreciation Day (free admission to employees and their families with valid UWRF ID).
