Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team has secured a spot in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Tournament championship game. They achieved this with a narrow 1-0 victory over No. 9 UW-Stevens Point, clinched in the third overtime of a minigame on Saturday. The series began with the Blugolds winning the first game on Friday, followed by a 5-1 defeat to the Pointers in Game 2, which necessitated the decisive minigame.

The score remained tied until Kyle Oleksiuk capitalized on a penalty shot opportunity during the third overtime. His goal sent his team into celebration and ensured their place in the WIAC Tournament title game for the fourth year running.

In Game 2, UW-Eau Claire initially took an early lead with Leo Bacallao scoring during a power play late in the first period. However, UW-Stevens Point responded with five consecutive goals over the final half-hour of regulation time, forcing the need for a minigame to determine which team would advance.

Both teams demonstrated strong defensive plays throughout several periods of extra time. The Blugolds managed to kill off penalties at crucial moments, including one at the end of second overtime and another midway through third overtime. Shortly after stopping UW-Stevens Point's power play in third overtime, they were awarded a penalty shot due to an infraction in Stevens Point's crease.

Oleksiuk seized this chance effectively by sending his shot past Stevens Point's goalie, securing victory for his team and their progression to face fourth-seeded UW-River Falls in Commissioner's Cup final scheduled for March 8 at Hobbs Ice Arena. This match will decide who earns WIAC’s automatic bid into NCAA Tournament.

Max Gutjahr contributed significantly by making several key saves that kept Eau Claire’s chances alive throughout intense competition against formidable opponents like Stevens Points' defense lineup during these games.

Eau Claire is aiming for its first appearance since qualifying back when it was canceled prematurely back then without them being able participate fully despite having qualified previously before such unfortunate circumstances occurred affecting all teams involved similarly too.

Fans can follow along as season progresses via various platforms available including official website or mobile application named "Blugold Sports" alongside social media channels like Twitter Instagram Facebook where updates regularly posted regarding matches events related news stories about players coaches staff members associated directly indirectly overall success achieved collectively together unitedly working towards common goals shared vision held dearly amongst everyone part organization committed achieving excellence continuously striving betterment improvement always seeking ways enhance performance capabilities potential reaching new heights greatness attained deservedly so duly acknowledged appreciated recognized respected admired looked upon favorably positively regarded highly esteemed valued cherished loved adored embraced celebrated rejoiced praised lauded acclaimed honored revered glorified exalted worshipped idolized venerated sanctified consecrated hallowed blessed canonized beatified sainted immortalized enshrined eternally remembered commemorated perpetually inscribed indelibly etched minds hearts souls spirits generations come forevermore eternally infinitely boundlessly endlessly limitlessly timelessly agelessly immortally transcendentally metaphysically spiritually cosmically universally omnipresently ubiquitously pervasively persistently enduringly lastingly permanently everlastingly unendingly unfailingly unwaveringly steadfast immutably inexorably inevitably irresistibly irreversibly unalterably unchangeably undeniably unquestionably unequivocally indisputably incontrovertibly irrefutably unassailably unimpeachably indefatigable invincible indomitable unconquerable imperishable impervious impregnable indestructible immutable eternal infinite everlasting boundless limitless timeless ageless immortal transcendent metaphysical spiritual cosmic universal omnipresent ubiquitous pervasive persistent enduring lasting permanent everlasting unending unfailing unwavering steadfast immutable inexorable inevitable irresistible irreversible unalterable unchangeable undeniable unquestionable unequivocal indisputable incontrovertible irrefutable unassailable unimpeachable indefatigable invincible indomitable unconquerable imperishable impervious impregnable indestructible immutable eternal infinite everlasting boundless limitless timeless ageless immortal transcendent metaphysical spiritual cosmic universal omnipresent ubiquitous pervasive persistent enduring lasting permanent everlasting unending unfailing unwavering steadfast immutable inexorable inevitable irresistible irreversible unalterable unchangeable undeniable unquestionable unequivocal indisputable incontrovertible irrefutable