Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team faced a tough loss against UW-Stout, with the Blue Devils securing a 5-4 victory in overtime at Hobbs Ice Arena. The Blugolds managed to rally from two separate deficits to push the game into overtime but were unable to withstand the Blue Devils' final surge.

During the game, UW-Eau Claire (9-14-1, 7-7-0) overcame a two-goal deficit after the first period and scored a last-second goal at the end of the third period to force overtime. However, UW-Stout (12-10-2, 5-8-1) clinched the win with an early overtime goal.

The Blue Devils took an early lead in regulation, scoring within four minutes of the opening period. Tyler Herzberg responded for the Blugolds shortly after, tying the game with assists from Jadon Reimer and Will Brenner. UW-Stout regained control with a power-play goal late in the first period and extended their lead to 3-1 shortly thereafter.

Jordan Randall narrowed the gap for UW-Eau Claire in the second period with assistance from Connor Szmul. Randall later tied the game with a power-play goal in the third period, assisted by Leo Bacallao and Eli Reimer. Despite UW-Stout retaking the lead late in regulation, Szmul forced overtime with a dramatic goal just one second before time expired in regulation, aided by Jadon Reimer and Colin Stein.

In overtime, UW-Stout's decisive goal came after 2:40 minutes had passed. Max Gutjahr made 25 saves for UW-Eau Claire during this challenging match.

The series continues on Saturday, February 15 at Hobbs Ice Arena at 7 p.m., marking the Blugolds' regular-season finale.

Fans can follow Blugold hockey throughout the season via their website or on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.