Stevens Point, Wis. – After securing a thrilling overtime victory against the Pointers the night before, the UW-Stout men's hockey team couldn't replicate the magic on the road, dropping a 3-1 decision to UW-Stevens Point on Saturday evening at K.B. Willett Arena. The Blue Devils (13-5-1, 6-2-1 WIAC) outshot the Pointers (8-9-2, 3-5-1 WIAC) 26-23 but struggled to convert opportunities, going 0-for-5 on the power play while allowing a key power-play goal against. Stout's lone tally came late in the third period, but it wasn't enough to overcome an early deficit.
The Pointers struck first in the opening frame when Camden Markham buried a rebound at 6:59, assisted by Quinton Hill and Gabe Randel, for an even-strength goal that set the tone. Stout generated eight shots in the period but couldn't solve UWSP goaltender Alex Proctor, who finished the night with 25 saves.
UW-Stevens Point extended its lead early in the second on the power play. Aiden Moser capitalized at 4:51 during a man advantage, assisted by Owen Dean and Nico Chmelevski, making it 2-0. The period featured chippy play, with five penalties called, including matching minors late that kept the score unchanged heading into the third.
Stout had a plethora of chances throughout the game but finally broke through late in the third. Tristan Therrien worked his way around the offensive zone before he dished it off to Nicolas Pigeon, who gave it right back to him on a give-and-go in the offensive corner. Therrien would pop out in front of the net and beat the goalie, cutting the lead in half at 15:59. The goal, Therrien's sixth of the season, injected life into the Blue Devils.
Moments later, Sebastian Monaco made a huge breakaway glove save with 3:30 left to keep the Blue Devils within striking distance, denying Dean on a clear chance. Shortly after, the Pointers were assessed a penalty for cross-checking at 16:48, putting the Blue Devils on the power play. They'd pull their goalie, making it a 6-on-4 advantage, and generated a ton of pressure including five shots on goal, but to no avail. UWSP would score an empty-net goal from Cody Pisarczyk at 19:44, assisted by Sean Bunting, to seal the win.
Monaco stopped 20 of 22 shots in the loss for Stout, while the Blue Devils blocked 15 shots as a team. UWSP's Proctor earned the win with his strong performance between the pipes.
By the Numbers:
| Stat |
UW-Stout |
UW-Stevens Point |
| Goals |
1 |
3 |
| Shots |
26 (8-6-12) |
23 (6-12-5) |
| Power Plays |
0/5 |
1/4 |
| Faceoffs |
29/60 |
31/60 |
| Penalties (Minutes) |
5 (10) |
6 (12) |
| Blocks |
15 |
17 |
| Saves |
20 (Monaco) |
25 (Proctor) |
Up Next:
Stout will be hosting Beloit for a home series next weekend at Fanetti Community Center. The Blue Devils look to bounce back in the non-conference matchup, with games scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Puck drop for both is set for 7 p.m
