Coming off a big win against Mankato the Blugolds wanted to keep it rolling against a very competitive Waldorf College team that rolled into Hobbs boasting a record of 9-3-1. The Blugolds would start off hot and get on the board first when Marques Surita found twine early in the first. Soon after Waldorf scored again, knotting things at one a piece after one period of play. Waldorf come out flying in the second scoring twice in the first six minutes of the second. Austin King tried to make things interesting scoring unassisted half-way through the second, but unfortunately for the Blugolds that would be the last time they scored in the contest. Waldorf scored two more times in the second and three times in the third beating the Blugolds eight to two.
Discouraged from last night’s loss and with a short bench due to deer opener and injuries, the Blugolds took the ice for game two against Waldorf. With expectations low, Eau Claire was trying to keep in competitive hockey. In the first the Blugolds found themselves getting on the board first, yet again, when Andy Mlynar got a rare goal. Leading one to none the Blugolds found themselves on the power play late in the first. Then the Boldenow brothers, Brad and Ben, assisted Jon Roessler who sniped the top shelf on a tough angle shot during the man advantage. Going to the locker room after the first period the Blugolds were given new life leading by two. The second period was a battle. Eau Claire was on the power play twice early in the second unable to capitalize. Then it was the Blugolds turn on the penalty kill. Impressive defensive zone play by all four of the Eau Claire defenseman Michaelson, Oungst, Stover and Zitske helped kill the two shorthanded situations in the second. But late in the second Waldorf would not be denied and got on the board right before the break. The score was two to one, advantage Eau Claire, heading into the final period of play. Bodies were flying in the physical last leg of the game. Eau Claire would miss out on another power play opportunity, but played outstanding in the defensive zone. Waldorf pulled their goalie in the last minute of play but it wouldn’t be enough as the Blugolds hung on to hand Waldorf their fourth loss of the year. Eau Claire goaltender Ryan Laughlin played exceptionally well turning away 51 of 52 shots in the contest. Blugolds split the series right before the Thanksgiving Break.
Discouraged from last night’s loss and with a short bench due to deer opener and injuries, the Blugolds took the ice for game two against Waldorf. With expectations low, Eau Claire was trying to keep in competitive hockey. In the first the Blugolds found themselves getting on the board first, yet again, when Andy Mlynar got a rare goal. Leading one to none the Blugolds found themselves on the power play late in the first. Then the Boldenow brothers, Brad and Ben, assisted Jon Roessler who sniped the top shelf on a tough angle shot during the man advantage. Going to the locker room after the first period the Blugolds were given new life leading by two. The second period was a battle. Eau Claire was on the power play twice early in the second unable to capitalize. Then it was the Blugolds turn on the penalty kill. Impressive defensive zone play by all four of the Eau Claire defenseman Michaelson, Oungst, Stover and Zitske helped kill the two shorthanded situations in the second. But late in the second Waldorf would not be denied and got on the board right before the break. The score was two to one, advantage Eau Claire, heading into the final period of play. Bodies were flying in the physical last leg of the game. Eau Claire would miss out on another power play opportunity, but played outstanding in the defensive zone. Waldorf pulled their goalie in the last minute of play but it wouldn’t be enough as the Blugolds hung on to hand Waldorf their fourth loss of the year. Eau Claire goaltender Ryan Laughlin played exceptionally well turning away 51 of 52 shots in the contest. Blugolds split the series right before the Thanksgiving Break.