Over the weekend, UW-Eau Claire’s men’s hockey had two games at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 at Hobbs Municipal Ice Arena. The Blugolds first faced off against Concordia College’s Cobbers and Augsburg University’s Eagles.

After both the Blugolds and the Cobbers struggled to score a goal in the first period, both teams scored goals in the second period. First-year forward Logan Ganz scored the only goal for the Blugolds five minutes into the second period. 

However, the Cobbers scored three goals in the third period, making the final score 1-4, and the Blugolds record 1-2-0.

The Blugolds scored the first goal against the Eagles about nine minutes into the first period by second-year defender Carter Bradley. This was quickly followed by an Eagles goal about 18 minutes in, leaving the teams tied going into the second period. 

Fourth-year defender Carter Green scored the only goal in the second period for the Blugolds, leading to a close game of 2-1 against the Eagles. 

In the last 35 seconds of the third period, the Eagles scored their second goal, forcing the game into overtime. 

Despite the added five minutes of overtime, neither team scored a goal, forcing the game into sudden death. The Blugolds scored one goal, while the Eagles scored two, resulting in a final score of 2-3 in favor of the Eagles.

Fourth-year forward and marketing student Leo Bacallao said that going into the game against Augsburg after losing to Concordia, the team really focused on coming out strong.

“Yesterday, we were a little slow, flat-footed,” Bacallao said. “I think today we came out and did our thing. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win, but it was close and the boys battled pretty hard.”

Fourth-year goalie and exercise science student Max Gutjahr said that with such a tight game, it’s important to just focus on the game, not the score.

“Just try to take it one shift at a time,” Gutjahr said. “Play the game in five-minute increments. Don’t worry about the score, don’t worry about what can happen in the future, just shift by shift, shot by shot.”

Bacallao said that between periods, it’s essential for the team to stay positive, as it is a collection of things that can lead to a win.

“Trying to tell the boys to stay positive, stay with it,” Bacallao said. “Just do the little things, try to come out with the ‘W.’ Just stay with the process, do the little things and try to win.”

Gutjahr said one of his favorite parts of playing hockey at the collegiate level is his teammates.

“Just battling every night with these guys,” Gutjahr said. “You know, they’re my best friends, so every Friday, Saturday, all throughout the week, it’s fun hanging out with them.”

Bacallao said for his final season, he really wants to win a WIAC championship and secure a national championship, and hopes to work towards that goal this season. 

The Blugolds’ next game is at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Hobbs against UW-Superior. More information about the team’s schedule can be found at blugolds.com. 

Boggess can be reached at [email protected].