RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls men's hockey team prevailed 5-4 Friday evening over UW-Stevens Point at Hunt Arena.
In a game that had everything from early momentum swings to late-game drama, the Falcons and Pointers traded scoring chances all night in a fast-paced WIAC showdown that featured nine goals and multiple lead changes that kept the outcome in doubt until the final minutes of regulation.
Just past the midway point of the first period, UWRF gained a two-goal lead with goals from freshmen
Gavin Middendorf and
Keenan Ingram - both their first of two goals on the night.
Stevens Point responded late in the opening period to cut the deficit to one, but the Falcons carried a advantage into the first intermission after an energetic opening 20 minutes that featured quality chances at both ends of the ice.
The Pointers tied the game early in the second period, but the Falcons answered once again. Max Collette restored the Falcon lead at 7:54 of the second with a breakaway goal to give UWRF a 3-2 lead heading into the third.
UWSP struck twice in the opening minutes of the final period, including a power play goal to take a 4-3 lead and swing momentum in its favor. UWRF answered back at 9:58 when Ingram netted his second goal of the night, tying the game at 4-4 and reigniting the Hunt Arena crowd.
With the clock winding down and both teams pressing for a decisive goal, Middendorf delivered the difference. He forced a Pointer turnover and made a nifty move to beat Pointer goaltender Alex Proctor for his ninth goal of the season and team-leading fourth game-winner.
UWRF finished with a 43-33 edge in shots on goal while the Pointers won 54 of 85 faceoffs. Brennan Boynton won his fourth game in a row in net, tallying 29 saves.
The Falcons (11-8-1, 5-5 WIAC) and Pointers play again tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. from Hunt Arena during Senior Night.
