CHICAGO, Ill. – Saturday saw the CUW ACHA team exhibit their dominance by clinching the Northern Collegiate Hockey League (NCHL) Black Division regular season title outright for the second consecutive season with the commanding 5-2 win over the Blue Demons of DePaul. 

With the win, the Falcons boosted their record to 14-4-1 while improving their NCHL record to 8-1-1.

Also, like last year, the victory over DePaul sealed an undefeated December, as CUW went a flawless 4-0 in the month. 

The game started with the Blue Demons notching the contest's first goal with 12:48 remaining in the first to take the 1-0 lead. 

But the Falcons responded, scoring at the 10:32 mark as senior Lucas Kreuser (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) found Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.), who would find the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.  

Cassel's goal would be the lone Falcon goal of the first period, as the score remained 1-1 heading into the intermission. 

The intensity of the first period carried over to the second, and, much like the first period, both teams found the back of the net once in the second, as Concordia Wisconsin senior Ian Malcolmson (Waukesha, Wis.), on a pass from Garrett Wilderman (Waukesha, Wis.), gave CUW the 2-1 lead. 

But DePaul responded with their own goal with 4:25 left in the period to make it 2-2 after 40 minutes of action. 

However, the high-powered CUW offense showed its prowess in the third period, scoring three goals to secure the 5-2 victory.

The first of the period came courtesy of Dominic Falcone (Elgin, Ill.), who was assisted by junior senior Easton Williams (Racine, Wis.) with 12:40 left in the period. 

The next Falcon goal came one minute and 40 seconds later as Garrett Wilderman assisted on the goal scored by freshman Owen Almburg (Glenville, Ill.) to put Blue and White up 4-2. 

Ian Malcolmson put the finishing touches on the game, scoring with 1:17 left on an assist from senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Ill.) to put the Falcons up 5-2. 

On top of the offensive barrage, the Falcons' defense also held the Blue Demons scoreless in the third period to secure their convincing, conference title-clinching 5-2 win. 

Ian Malcolmson finished the contest with two goals, while Garrett Wilderman finished his night with two assists. 

The ACHA squad now looks ahead to a much-deserved break and will resume action in the new year, as they are scheduled to play against Maryville on Jan. 5th, with the puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from the Ozaukee Ice Center.