ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The CUW ACHA team clinched a spot in the 2023 Division II National Tournament with an overtime win against Minnesota on Sunday evening.

The Blue and White were close to a 0-1 deficit off the opening faceoff with a penalty shot awarded to Minnesota.  Senior Mack Willy (Tacoma, Wash.) came up with a huge save to keep the game tied at zero.

The Falcons netted the first goal of the matchup 44 seconds into the matchup off the stick of senior Lucas Kreuser (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.).  He was assisted by fellow senior Sam Weiss (Glen Ellyn, Ill.).

The teams headed into the first break with a 1-0 advantage in favor of the flock.

Minnesota was the only team to score in the second period and took a 2-1 lead heading into the final frame.

The Blue and White netted the game-tying goal in the second minute of the third period off the stick of sophomore Garrett Wilderman (Waukesha, Wis.).  He was assisted by senior Scott Gregor (Ashland, Wis.).

Minnesota took back the lead with nine minutes remaining in the matchup.

Staring a regional exit in the face, the Falcons rallied and scored with 57 seconds remaining in the third period to send the game into overtime.  The goal was scored by senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Ill.) and assisted by senior Alex Way (Ottawa, Ont.).

In overtime, senior Jacob Palmerio (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) netted possibly the biggest goal of the season to lift the Falcons into the Division II National Tournament.  Junior Ian Malcolmson (Waukesha, Wis.) recorded the assist in overtime.

The Falcons are heading to the national tournament for the second time in program history after making it in 2021.

Mack Willy recorded 28 saves on the evening.

The Blue and White await news of their matchup in Boston.