RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls men's hockey team fell 5-2 Saturday evening at Hunt Arena versus UW-Stevens Point.
UWRF's four-game winning streak and six-game unbeaten streak came to a close when special teams proved to be a factor as the Falcons were assessed six penalties and the Pointers capitalized with three power play goals, building an early lead that the Falcons were unable to overcome.
UWSP struck twice with the man advantage in the first period to open a 3-0 cushion before the Falcons could find their footing.
The Falcons got on the board early in the second period when Alex Atwill finished a power play chance at the 2:12 mark to make it 3-1. The Falcons generated momentum, but another Stevens Point power play goal late in the period pushed the margin back to three at 4-1 heading into the third.
UWRF continued to battle and cut the deficit to 4-2 on Keenan Ingram's even strength goal with 3:36 remaining in regulation, assisted by Ben Portner and Jonny Meiers. The Falcons had a power play opportunity in the final minutes and pulled goaltender Brennan Boynton for the extra attacker, but the Pointers sealed the game with a shorthanded empty net goal.
UWSP finished 3-of-6 on the power play, while UWRF went 1-of-4 with the man advantage. Boynton made 22 saves in goal for the Falcons, while Ryan Maguire stopped 26 shots for the Pointers.
Up next, the Falcons (11-9-1, 5-6 WIAC) head to Eau Claire for a two-game WIAC series against the Blugolds next weekend.
