Box Score EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – In a game filled with drama and adversity, the UW-Stout men's hockey team rose to the occasion, defeating UW-Eau Claire 5-4 in overtime on Friday night at Hobbs Ice Arena.
The Blue Devils appeared to have sealed the win in regulation, but with just one second left in the third period, UW-Eau Claire was credited with the game-tying goal under controversial circumstances. Despite the green light signaling the end of the period and the horn sounding before the puck crossed the goal line, the Blugolds were awarded the equalizer, forcing overtime.
Rather than dwell on the decision, UW-Stout responded with resilience. Just 2:40 into the extra frame, Hayden Stocks took control of the game, slicing through a Blugold defenseman and slipping the puck five-hole past the goaltender to secure the victory for the Blue Devils.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start. Nicholas Stevens got the scoring started early for Stout, but Eau Claire quickly responded. The Blue Devils reclaimed the lead on a power-play goal from Kullan Daikawa, then extended it less than a minute later when Connor Mariner capitalized on a scoring chance.
UW-Eau Claire clawed back with goals in the second and third periods, tying the game at 3-3 before Maksis Brimanis gave UW-Stout a late lead with just over five minutes remaining. Then came the controversial final-second goal, setting the stage for Stocks' heroics in overtime.
Stevens led UW-Stout's offensive attack with a goal and two assists, while goaltender Ryan Knight made 23 saves in net. The Blue Devils outshot the Blugolds 30-27 and capitalized on one of their five power-play opportunities.
Up Next
The Blue Devils (11-10-2, 4-8-1 WIAC) will look to complete the weekend sweep when they face UW-Eau Claire (9-13-1, 7-6-0 WIAC) again Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Eau Claire. With the regular season coming to a close, Stout will aim to carry momentum into the WIAC Tournament.
