SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University men's hockey team fell to Concordia University Wisconsin 4-3 at TRIA Rink on Friday night.
The Pipers, who finished the game with a slight 32-30 advantage in shots on goal, fall to 3-9 while the Falcons improve to 8-6.
Concordia (Wis.) 4, Hamline 3
The first period saw the Falcons take a lead with a goal by Mi-Kwan Tallman at 13:16, followed shortly by another from Matt Koepke at 13:54 that made the score 2-0. Hamline responded with a power-play tally by
Will Matzke at 14:29, reducing their deficit to 2-1. Concordia Wisconsin controlled the faceoffs, winning the majority throughout the period, while Hamline's
Maximillian Haselbacher was active, making multiple saves against a barrage of shots. Both teams committed penalties towards the end of the period, with roughing penalties called on
AJ Carls and Jack Guvenal as the frame concluded.
The second period began with Concordia Wisconsin maintaining control, winning the initial faceoff and taking several early shots, including a blocked attempt by Derek Humphreys. The Falcons extended their lead to 3-1 with a goal by Dain Sardelli at 2:32, despite Hamline's efforts, which included missed shots and saves by Gabe Rosek. The Pipers responded with a goal from
Jack Whitmore Jr. at 10:04, narrowing the gap to 3-2, but Concordia Wisconsin quickly countered with a goal by Derek Humphreys just seven seconds later, bringing the score to 4-2.
The third frame began with Hamline winning the initial faceoff, followed by several missed shots, including an early attempt by
Jordon Halverson at 00:13. Concordia Wisconsin managed to gain possession with Derek Humphreys firing a shot that was saved by
Maximillian Haselbacher at 00:32. A crucial moment came at 10:59 when
Brandon McNamara scored a power-play goal for the Pipers, assisted by
Carson Simon and
Will Matzke, which narrowed the score to 4-3. Despite multiple attempts by both teams throughout the period, including several saves by Gabe Rosek for Concordia Wisconsin, neither team managed to score again.
Brandon McNamara stood out for the Pipers with his contribution of one power-play goal, showcasing his effectiveness in special teams situations.
Carson Simon led in face-off winning percentage, securing 66%.
Jack Whitmore Jr. also made an impact by scoring one goal. Lastly,
Will Matzke was a key player with one goal and one assist.
Matt Koepke made an impact for the Falcons by scoring a goal. Similarly, Dain Sardelli and Mi-Kwan Tallman each added a goal to their tallies.
Defensively, Mason Ausmus demonstrated strong play, leading Concordia with a plus-minus rating of three while assisting on two goals. In the faceoff circle, Devon Savignac excelled with a win percentage of 70. Finally, Derek Humphreys registered the game-winning goal.
Maximillian Haselbacher made 26 saves in net for the Pipers, while Gabe Rosek stopped 29 shots for the Falcons.
Both teams will square-off again at TRIA Rink tomorrow, Saturday, January 4 at 2 p.m.
