MADISON, WIS. – On Friday night, men’s ice hockey (1-0-0) took on #9 Wisconsin (0-1-0). In a tightly contested matchup, the Lions would stun the nationally ranked Badgers, winning 4-2. This would be the first time in program history the Lions have beaten Wisconsin, as well as a nationally ranked opponent.
GAME OVERVIEW
In the first period, the match would remain even for the first 11 minutes of the frame. With 9:09 left in the period, Jaeden Mercier would roof a one-timer into the top-right corner, while on the power play. Mercier’s goal would be assisted by John Evans and Noah Houle. Lindenwood’s lead would be short-lived, with the Badgers scoring at 15:42 into the period. The Lions would get the final answer in the period scoring with 1:44 left to go. The Lions second goal would come from a Mercier wrist-shot into the top-right corner. Mercier’s second goal of the night would be assisted by Ethan Zielke. After a period of play, the Lions would lead 2-1. Owen Bartoszkiewicz would make 12 stops in the period.
In the second period, Alex Lundman would score the lone goal in the frame to put the Lions up 3-1, two minutes into the period. Lundman’s goal would be assisted by David Gagnon and Drew Kuzma. After two periods of play, Lindenwood would lead 3-1. Bartozszkiewicz in the period would make 14 stops in the period.
In the third period, Wisconsin would be able to strike first, scoring 6:42 into the period, cutting the Lions lead to one. With 3:23 left to go in the final period, Artyom Borshyov would secure the Lions victory, scoring the Lions fourth and final goal of the game. Borshyov’s goal would be assisted by Gagnon and Evans. Bartoszkiewicz would tally eight saves in the final period, for a total of 34 saves on the night.
After the final whistle, the Lions improved to 1-0-0 on the season.
QUOTABLE
“We are proud of the effort our team gave tonight. We executed when we needed to, and the power play goal in the first period was the juice to really get this show on the road. It was a hard-fought effort against a tough Wisconsin team. This was definitely a statement win to start off the season, but a statement win in our program’s history”, said head coach Bill Muckalt.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points – Three tied (2)
Goals – Jaeden Mercier (2)
Assists – John Evans and David Gagnon (2)
Shots on Target – Jaeden Mercier (4)
+/- – Artyom Borshyov (3)
Faceoff Wins – Kristof Papp (7)
Blocked Shots – Aiden Yakimchuk (7)
UP NEXT
The Lions will battle Wisconsin in game two, Saturday, October 12, at 6:00 PM CST, at the Kohl Center.
