Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team secured their first win of the season with a 5-1 victory over Augsburg on Saturday at Ed Saugestad Rink in Minneapolis. Leo Bacallao's hat trick was pivotal in helping the Blugolds take control of the game.

UW-Eau Claire, now holding a record of 1-2-1, established a lead by scoring twice late in the first period. Bacallao scored the opening goal with less than five minutes remaining in the period, assisted by Max Ruoho and Cade Lemmer. Shortly after, Connor Szmul doubled the lead with an assist from Carter Bradley and Max Dronen.

In the third period, Jordan Randall increased the Blugolds' advantage to 3-0 with a short-handed goal assisted by Tyler Herzberg. Augsburg managed to score shortly thereafter, but Bacallao sealed the game with two additional goals in the final ten minutes. Lemmer assisted both goals, while Trenten Heyde contributed an assist on Bacallao's last goal.

Goalie Max Gutjahr made 24 saves to earn his first victory this season. The Blugolds also successfully killed three power plays from Augsburg.

Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will begin their Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play on Friday, November 22, when they visit UW-Superior for a game starting at 7:05 p.m.

For more updates throughout the season, fans can follow the Blugolds on their website or through their app and social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.