Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team faced a challenging start to their two-game series against St. Norbert College, ranked second in the nation. The Blugolds were defeated 5-1 on Friday at Cornerstone Community Center.

St. Norbert's Green Knights dominated the game by scoring five consecutive goals before UW-Eau Claire managed to respond. In the first period alone, the Green Knights scored three times, including a goal just as time expired.

Both teams went scoreless in the second period, leaving St. Norbert with a 3-0 lead heading into the final intermission. Early in the third period, the Green Knights extended their lead with two additional goals.

The Blugolds' only goal came from freshman Nolan Grier midway through the third period, with assists from junior Carter Green and senior Connor Szmul.

Max Gutjahr, a junior for UW-Eau Claire, recorded 22 saves against St. Norbert's formidable offense.

The series will continue on Saturday, November 30, when UW-Eau Claire hosts St. Norbert at Hobbs Ice Arena at 7 p.m.

For ongoing updates and information about the Blugolds throughout the season, fans can visit Blugolds.com or follow their social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.