MENOMONIE, Wis. (Feb. 7, 2025) – In a hard-fought, penalty-filled showdown, UW-Stout took 11th-ranked UW-Superior to the brink but ultimately fell 2-1 in overtime on Friday night at Fanetti Community Center. The heated matchup saw three disqualifications, multiple power plays, and a flurry of penalties as both teams battled for control.
Fast Start for Stout
The Blue Devils wasted no time making their presence felt, delivering a physical first period and getting on the board late in the frame. With just 49 seconds left in the period, Tristan Therrien capitalized on a scoring opportunity, firing a shot past UW-Superior goaltender Jack Boschert to give Stout a 1-0 lead. Nicolas Pigeon and Sam Kroon provided the assists on the play.
Chippy Play and Ejections
The first period set the tone for an emotional and penalty-laden contest. A major scrum midway through the period led to disqualifications for Stout's Boyd Stahlbaum and UW-Superior's Frank Dovorany after an altercation in front of the net. Moments later, Superior's Matt Francois was handed a game misconduct for slashing, further adding to the chaos.
By the end of the night, the two teams combined for 91 penalty minutes, including multiple roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct calls. Despite the heavy special teams play, neither team could convert on the power play, with Stout going 0-for-5 and Superior 0-for-4 with the man advantage.
Late Equalizer and Overtime Heartbreak
After a scoreless second period, Stout looked poised to complete the upset as they held onto their one-goal lead deep into the third period. However, with just 1:50 remaining in regulation, UW-Superior pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker, and Collin Pederson capitalized, finding the back of the net to force overtime.
In the extra frame, the Yellowjackets completed their comeback when Justin Dauphinais beat Stout goaltender Ryan Knight at 3:32, securing the 2-1 win for UW-Superior.
Strong Performances in the Loss
Despite the tough loss, Knight was stellar in goal, stopping 32 of 34 shots, including a barrage of 23 shots in the third period alone. The Blue Devils were also strong in the faceoff circle, winning 56.7% of draws, with Pigeon leading the way with 11 wins.
Series Finale Set for Saturday
The Blue Devils will look to bounce back and earn a series split when they take the ice against UW-Superior again on Saturday at Fanetti Community Center. With emotions running high, another intense battle is expected as Stout aims to take down the nationally ranked Yellowjackets.
