RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The UW-River Falls men's hockey battled throughout Saturday night's WIAC matchup but ended up falling 4-2 to the Blue Devils at Hunt Arena.
UW-Stout opened the scoring just 41 seconds into the game, taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission despite a strong defensive effort from the Falcons. UWRF generated several quality opportunities in the opening period but was unable to break through.
The Blue Devils added two goals early in the second period to extend their lead to 3-0. The Falcons responded midway through the frame when Owen Belisle put the Falcons on the board at the 9:12 mark, finishing a play set up by Alex Atwill and Burke Simpson. Just under four minutes later, Adisen Brueck pulled the Falcons within one with an even-strength goal off assists from Ian Carpenter and Ethan Lindahl, cutting the deficit to 3-2 heading into the third.
The Falcons pressed for the equalizer in the final period, outshooting Stout and earning multiple scoring looks, but the Blue Devils sealed the game with an empty-net goal in the final minute to secure the 4-2 victory.
Brennan Boynton made 26 saves in net for the Falcons, while UW-River Falls finished with 42 shots on goal.
The Falcons will turn around and take on the Bethel Royals in a non-conference matchup on Friday Jan. 9., puck drop at 7 p.m.
