RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Relentless pressure from start to finish powered the UW-Stout men's hockey team to a 4–1 victory over UW-River Falls on Friday night in a chippy, penalty-filled contest at Hunt Arena.
The Blue Devils set the tone early, hemming the Falcons in their own zone and cashing in on sustained offensive-zone time. Stout struck first midway through the opening period and doubled the lead late in the frame, capitalizing on a power play after consistent pressure forced River Falls into mistakes.
The second goal proved pivotal, coming on a man advantage as the puck moved crisply around the zone before finding Maksis Brimanis stationed near the post for a quick finish. The special teams strike gave Stout a 2–0 cushion and reflected the Blue Devils' edge in pace and physicality.
UW-Stout continued to dictate play in the second period, extending the lead to 3–0 while navigating a stretch marked by coincidental minors, major penalties, and two game misconducts as emotions boiled over. Despite the disruptions, the Blue Devils stayed composed and limited River Falls' quality chances.
UW-Stout carried that 3–0 lead deep into the third period before UW-River Falls broke through late, snapping Sebastian Monaco's shutout streak at 150:29 over three games, but the Blue Devils quickly answered as McCabe Dvorak sealed the win with an empty-net goal — his first of the season — capping a strong all-around performance for the Blue Devils.
Monaco was steady throughout, turning aside 24 shots and anchoring a defensive effort that frustrated the Falcons for most of the night.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Blue Devils return home Saturday night to host UW-River Falls in the second game of the two-game weekend series before the holiday break. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Fanetti Community Center.
