EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team Saturday night lost 3-0 at UW-Eau Claire. The Gusties drop to 0-1-1 overall while the Blugolds, who received votes in the latest USCHO.com poll, improve to 2-0.
After a scoreless first period, the Blugolds scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at the 4:37 mark of the second period. Eau Claire added two goals midway through the third period and held on for the shutout.
Gustavus outshot UW-Eau Claire 29-26 and won the faceoff battle 37-33. Both teams went scoreless on the power play with the Gusties at 0-for-2 and the Blugolds at 0-for-4.
In his first collegiate start, Will Pinney (Fy., St. Louis Park) made 23 saves and allowed three goals.
Gustavus begins conference play next week against St. Scholastica. The Gusties travel to Duluth on Thursday night and then host the Saints for the home opener on Saturday night.