EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team opened its WIAC series falling to 2-3 overall against No. 15 ranked UW-Eau Claire on Friday with a 2-0 loss in a hard fought defensive effort.
The first period was a back and forth battle with the Blugolds holding an edge on shots 7-6. The second period was more of one way traffic as Eau Claire outshot the Gusties 19-8. Both goaltenders stayed perfect through two periods as Jackson Hjelle (So., Delano) made 26 saves to the Blugolds 14.
After two scoreless innings, the scoring was opened just 40 seconds into the third period by Eau-Claire on a passing sequence that led to a one timer in the slot off a pass from behind the net to sneak past the blocker side.
The Blugolds tacked on an insurance goal with under a minute left after a turnover in the Gustie zone.
Hjelle, would take the loss moving to 1-1 on the season despite an incredible performance, posting 41 saves on 43 shots.
Gustavus was shutout for the first time this season, but Tyler Ebner (Sr., La Crosse, Wis.) was dangerous throughout with 5 shots on net for the Gusties.
The Gusties will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to face another nationally ranked program, UW-River Falls at 7:00 on Saturday.